Thanks, Mrs. Brown for sharing this link with us!
The majority of the students and graduates responding to our survey felt that the IB DP at Sumter High School prepares them very well for college work. They feel our program challenges them to better themselves. Teachers are very knowledgeable in their subject areas and work hard. The teachers’ expectations make sense. The availability of information is excellent. They appreciate the level of group work they have. Students appreciate the variety in cultural exploration and that they are forced to “think outside of their usual mindset.” They like the addition of IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL to the course offerings. They feel the standards of IB will lead them to further achievement. There are experience opportunities that are available such as field trips and social events that make the program more enjoyable. Students must know the requirements of their courses and learn to prioritize to get their work complete. The opportunities to volunteer help them to grow as people. The shorter class periods make the day more interesting. The program provides an opportunity for students who want to learn at a rigorous pace to meet that need. They like how connected they feel as a group. The IB Diploma Program at Sumter High School provides a positive learning environment and provides them with the opportunity to soar above expectations. Students mentioned that having a dedicated counselor was a big benefit. They recognized that the IB program stresses communication. Extra help is always available. Participation in CAS is encouraged for ALL students. The students appreciate the organization and structure provided by the program. They appreciate the support provided for the Extended Essay process. They feel their parents are more knowledgeable about their schoolwork as a result of the IB program.
The students feel that we could do a better job of spreading out assignments and increase our use of E-Chalk. They would like to see an increase in course offerings and an increase in educational field trips. They feel that a shadowing program for students in the 10th grade thinking about going into the IB DP in the 11th grade would be beneficial. And, while all students are aware of how IB views academic honesty, they feel they could do a better job of honoring the policy. They also mentioned that even though they become very close friends, even to the point of feeling like family, this can have a negative side in that they are so comfortable that they tease each other sometimes too much and that this needs to be more closely monitored at the student and teacher levels. They feel that they would like to see more privileges for them that serve to reward the choice they have made with their participation in the IB Diploma Program at Sumter High School. Overwhelmingly, the students responded positively concerning the benefits of the IB Program at Sumter High School. Specific benefits mentioned were mostly related to preparation for college, better understanding of themselves, and seeing how they fit into the community. They see the benefits of being exposed to a rigorous educational environment. They made comments such as, “it prepares us to be future leaders in our communities” and “through the CAS program I have learned a lot about myself.” They commonly noted that they enjoy, “gaining a global perspective.” The one note that rang true for nearly every student was that they feel they were better prepared for university/college and for “life in the real world.” The majority of the parents responding to our survey felt that the IB DP at Sumter High School prepares their students very well for the rigor of college. Their students feel fulfilled and engaged by class discussions on current events. The teachers’ emphasis on goal setting helps students realize their potential and ways to accomplish those goals. The flexibility in scheduling to allow for other interests such as music and allowing students to have either a diploma or courses route was another positive point. Various trips have allowed students to expand upon their book learning and have hands on learning. Students are instilled with a sense of community by this program. Teachers are always available for extra help if needed. Several parents expressed the positives of having a separate ceremony for the IB graduation to recognize their accomplishments in the IB program.
The parents felt that teachers could do a better job of completing course syllabi and grading rubrics to ensure both students and parents receive and acknowledge the expectations. The balance between individual and group work is adequate, but parents would like to see more opportunities where students critique each other’s work and exercise interpersonal skills. The IB Coordinator and administration need to review the balance between Hl and SL courses. There is room for improvement in publicizing or acknowledging the IB Courses and Diploma candidates’ accomplishments. Overall, parents felt there are several benefits of the IB program. One is that the IB program establishes high standards for academic achievement. It challenges students to improve their scholastics. The program prepares students to be eligible for various scholarships. Teachers in the IB program are very caring and helpful in preparing the students for entering the college environment. The IB program has students who have a strong desire to learn. Students acquire deeper knowledge which results in their having higher levels of discussion. Students develop critical skills such as planning. They become well-rounded and are given a head-start for the future. They become better able to make significant contributions to society. The greatest benefit of the program is that is prepares students for the rigor of college level work. For the most part, parents feel the IB program of Sumter High School has many positive benefits. |
Marie BetheaSHS IB Coordinator Archives
October 2019
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