Communications
27200 Hilliard Blvd.
Westlake, OH 44145
440.250.1258
www.wlake.org
bonvissuto@wlake.org
Feb. 26, 2015
WESTLAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CLOSER TO IB
WORLD SCHOOL STATUS
Westlake’s four elementary buildings are closer to authorization as International
Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools after receiving preliminary feedback from the
International Baccalaureate Organization Americans (IBA).
Based on candidacy consultant reports, observations by the verification team
and the schools’ applications for authorization, all four buildings – Bassett, Dover,
Hilliard and Holly Lane elementary schools – met 115 of the 116 practices in the
six standard areas required to become IB World Schools.
Elementary IB coordinators Colleen Mudore and Deb Wadden said it is not
unusual for schools to be asked to address different practices to meet all IB
requirements.
In Westlake, that one issue is related to teaching and learning. Specifically, the
schools need to address how they support the IB Primary Years Programme
model for teaching core subjects – Language Arts, mathematics, science and
social studies – to all students within the classroom. To address this practice, the
district will examine the delivery of program services for all elementary students.
Over the next few weeks the district will submit a response to IBA. A final
decision from IBA will be forthcoming.
The IB journey for Westlake’s elementary schools began in the 2011-2012 school
year with a feasibility study, staff training and curriculum development in the IB
curriculum model. All four buildings applied for and were granted candidacy
status in the 2012-2013 school year, which continued into the 2013-2014 school
year. Throughout this journey, teachers and IB coordinators worked on
incorporating state and Common Core standards into the IB framework of
inquiry-based teaching. Once written, teachers implemented these units of
inquiry and continue to reflect on them.
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society
Communications
27200 Hilliard Blvd.
Westlake, OH 44145
440.250.1258
www.wlake.org
bonvissuto@wlake.org
Upon submitting applications for authorization in spring 2014, IBA verification
team visits took place in fall 2014 to confirm what was described in each
application was actually implemented in the schools. Among the
commendations documented in the reports:
 The schools have built a stimulating learning environment based on
understanding and respect throughout the school community.
 Teachers speak passionately about the personal, social and academic
well-being of students.
 The schools are committed to developing a system of documenting and
providing evidence of student learning over time across the curriculum.
 The schools employ a variety of strategies and tools to ensure students’
knowledge and understanding.
The IB PYP supports learning in all academic areas and places an emphasis on
the whole child. The process encourages students to choose, reflect and act not
only in their academics, but in the school, community and beyond.
The district chose to pursue IB PYP certification following an appreciative inquiry
process through the Continuous Improvement Plan. Through that process, the
community called the district to action to grow internationally competent,
competitive and engaged learners.
Earlier this year, Westlake High School was approved as an authorized IB World
School, adopting the Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum through the
International Baccalaureate Organization. The authorization means WHS shares
a philosophy with schools worldwide – a commitment to high quality,
challenging, international education with a focus on rigor and inquiry.
The DP is for juniors and seniors and will offer students the opportunity to
graduate with an IB Diploma Certificate. In addition, juniors and seniors also will
have the opportunity to enroll in IB courses that support their interests. Westlake
students will participate in the IBDP through a partnership with Avon Lake, Berea
and Rocky River high schools.
IB works with 3,968 schools in 146 countries and offers programming to more than
1 million students. In the United States there are 1,575 World Schools. There are 34
IB World Schools in Ohio.
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society