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.
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.