The Foreign Service Journal, June 2019

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2019 67 A unique part of the IB program is the requirement of three core courses for full diploma status: the theory of knowledge (TOK) course, the extended essay (EE) research project, and the creativity, action and service (CAS) component. Through the TOK course on critical thinking, students make connections across traditional disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge. They inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction. In the EE, students undertake in- depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more aca- demic disciplines. And through CAS, students enhance their personal and interpersonal development. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. The service aspect offers an avenue for new learning that supports academic development. Finally, in terms of assessment, students have multiple opportunities in each course to “show what they know” using various modes of communication and formats. The IB program is not about memorizing and guessing from a list of answers, but about truly understanding the material at a deeper level. Advantages of AP. The College Board states: “The purpose of these classes and tests is for students to earn college credit while in high school. Advanced Placement exams began in the 1950s as a way for stu- dents to stand out on their college applica- tions, and they are still growing strong as kids prepare for a competitive market. The tests are offered in 34 subjects, which range from biology, statistics and psychol- ogy to art history and studio art drawing.” Many AP classes in high school are given extra “weight” and thus increase a student’s GPA if she or he performs well. Taking AP courses not only offers a high level of academic learning, but it can also save families money for college and university. At most colleges, students receive some sort of class credit for AP exam scores of 3 and higher (exams are scored from 1 to 5). This credit often goes toward introductory-level college courses in the same subject. With the option to skip some intro- ductory classes, AP students can choose to graduate early. Further, AP students often find more flexibility in their sched- uling at college because they can jump right into many courses that speak to their interests and career objectives. Because of the accelerated speed of an AP class and the higher-level learn- ing that occurs, many college admis- sions counselors find AP students well prepared for college-level learning. These students have shown that they can handle a fast-paced, academically challenging program, and that will serve them well in their post-secondary educa- tional pursuits. How does a student evaluate whether the extra effort and work will be worth it? If a student is self-motivated and com- mitted to her or his studies, any higher- level academic program will be worth it in terms of college and university place- ment and overall preparation for the next academic step. Both IB and AP are very rigorous courses that colleges like to see on high school transcripts. If the goal of a student is to get into a top college, both programs will give the student an advantage and possible credit for work completed. FLO: Can you contrast the examina- tion methods? KM: For most courses in the IB pro- gram, written examinations are a major component of the assessment. There are also in-house assessments, labs, perfor- mances and oral exams. Externally assessed coursework, Advanced Placement (AP) https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home International Baccalaureate (IB) http://www.ibo.org/ For more information on both programs: • Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in Schools Assisted by the Office of Overseas Schools https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/211957.pdf • The FLO web page titled “Choices for High School: IB and AP” https://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21984.htm • The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) web page titled “Description of IB Diploma Program and AP Program” https://www.fcps.edu/node/32512 Resources