Anne Arundel County Schools could begin a precursor to its rigorous International Baccalaureate program next year if funding is approved in the school system?s budget.
Superintendent Kevin Maxwell is still putting the finishing touches on his budget proposal, which he will present to the county school board Jan. 3, said Bob Mosier, county schools spokesman.
About 275 families of fifth-graders have turned in applications for the program, said Christine Amiss, IB program district coordinator.
The Middle Years Program encourages teachers to work together to plan classes that engage students in a variety of course areas.
It places an emphasis on international culture and uses international assessment criteria.
Annapolis High School and Old Mill High School have accredited IB programs, and Meade High School is in the process of obtaining accreditation.
“The best thing about the program is it is so multicultural and diverse. Students are getting an international background and becoming open to other things in the world,” said Lois Highsmith, of Glen Burnie, whose son is enrolled in the high school program.
IB is a magnet program, so many students travel from other areas of the county it.
The Middle Years Program does not have academic requirements for enrollment.
But it would help prepare students for the high school program, which sets academic enrollment standards.
“It?s a wonderful opportunity to build up capacity for middle school students, to prepare them for the high school program or any other academic path they choose to take,” Amiss said
This school year, the school system budgeted $145,000 for planning the middle school program and training teachers.
If the program is approved in middle schools, another goal could be to include elementary students, Amiss said.
