The Roosevelt High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Roosevelt High School is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme authorization allows us to
offer IB curriculum and assessments with external accountability at the 11th and
12th grades. The IB exams are accepted for college credit worldwide and give
students a clear goal to work towards and “show what they know” through a
variety of assessment styles.
IB is more than advanced coursework and potential college credit. The IBO has a
broad and inclusive mission of developing intercultural understanding throughout
the world by developing the skills of a lifelong learner in students. There is an
emphasis in IB courses to do more than simply deliver content. Teachers guide
students to develop skills in writing, service learning, problem solving and
research and while applying the content to local and global situations.
In addition to IB Diploma Programme, our International Baccalaureate Careerrelated Certificate (IBCC) Programme offers juniors and seniors the chance to
engage in rigorous, externally assessed coursework while making progress
towards a career certification in the health careers or automotive field. At
Roosevelt, our IBCC students become career-ready through the rigorous IB
Diploma Programme coursework that provides opportunities through collegelevel coursework while developing career skills through mentorship opportunities
in the health care community.
For more information in English, Spanish and
French: www.ibo.org
Candida Gonzalez
IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
Candida.Gonzalez@mpls.k12.mn.us
612.668.4830
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programming Guide for Grades 11 & 12
Requirements to earn an IB Diploma (IBDP):
 Earn IB Course Certificates in six subjects (1 in each Group).
 Complete approximately 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service
(CAS) activities.
 Take the Theory of Knowledge 1 year course and complete a TOK essay.
 Complete a 4,000 word Extended Essay based on independent research.
Requirements to earn an RHS IB Medallion:
 Complete 2 or more IBDP classes and their assessments.
 Complete a minimum of 75 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
activities.
 Take the Theory of Knowledge 1 year course and complete a TOK essay.
Requirements to earn an IB Course Certificate:
 Sign up for one or more IBDP class (most classes span 2 years).
 Take and pass the IB exam for any DP course- involves short answer,
problem solving and class assignments done over the course of two
years.
If you are a Health or Automotive career-minded student, you may be interested
in the IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC):
 Take two IBDP course over your Junior and Senior years.
 Fulfill the IB Approaches to Learning curriculum through the Career
Capstone and Work Based Learning classes.
 Work towards developing second language proficiency with 50 hours of
Language Portfolio activities.
 Participate in 50 hours of Community and Service Learning.
 Complete career training in Auto through either the Auto Collision or
Automotive NATEF Block classes -OR Complete career training in Health through completion of Certified
Nursing Assistant or Emergency Medical Responder training, and the
Health Core Curriculum offered in conjunction with MCTC.
IB Courses Offered at Roosevelt High School
IB courses are offered at either the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). Both levels are
advanced classes. SL classes may be 1 or 2 years, while HL classes are always 2 years. Students
in HL classes study similar topics as SL classes, but with greater depth and breadth.
All IB courses include a combination of official IB assessments that are evaluated internally (by
the teacher) and externally (by the IB Organization). Students who enroll in an IB course are
expected to complete all of the IB assessments for that course to the best of their abilities.
Colleges and universities award credit or advanced standing based on a student’s scores on the
IB assessments. Score recognition policies vary, so students and families should investigate the
policies of their prospective colleges or universities when planning classes.
IB Core
Theory of Knowledge
Course Duration: 1 year (Spring semester Junior year + fall semester Senior year)
Course Description:
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class is unique to the IB Diploma Programme, and is required
for any student seeking an IB Diploma or RHS IB Medallion. In this class, students explore the
various ways that we acquire, process, and utilize knowledge. Students also explore how
knowledge is influenced by such factors as culture, gender, age, and social standing. As a core
element of the IB Diploma Programme, TOK topics are incorporated into the other IB courses
and students are encourage to establish their own connections. Students in this class are
expected to complete a TOK presentation and TOK essay as their official IB Theory of
Knowledge assessments.
Group 1: Studies in Language & Literature
IB English SL- Language and Literature
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Description:
Students will have the opportunity to meet or surpass 11th and 12th grade English/Language
Arts standards of the State of Minnesota. The major focus of this course will be preparing
students for the essential components of the IB English SL exam, which are spread throughout
the two years.
The language A: language and literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation
of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary and non-literary genres. The formal
analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in
respect to contexts of production and consumption. The course is organized into four parts,
each focused on the study of either literary or non-literary texts. Together, the four parts of the
course allow the student to explore the language A in question through its cultural
development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills
of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim
is the development of critical literacy. Students in SL will study 4 texts over the 2 year course.
IB English HL- Language and Literature
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Description:
Students will have the opportunity to meet or surpass 11th and 12th grade English/Language
Arts standards of the State of Minnesota. The major focus of this course will be preparing
students for the essential components of the IB English HL exam, which are spread throughout
the two years.
The language A: language and literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation
of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary and non-literary genres. The formal
analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in
respect to contexts of production and consumption. The course is organized into four parts,
each focused on the study of either literary or non-literary texts. Together, the four parts of the
course allow the student to explore the language A in question through its cultural
development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills
of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim
is the development of critical literacy. Students in HL will study 6 texts over the 2 year course.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
IB French SL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
This class is for students who have successfully completed French 3 and would like to continue
their study at an advanced level. The class extends the review and expansion of the student’s
knowledge of the following: structure and regional variations of the French language; history
and contemporary civilizations of the French-speaking world, social customs of the Frenchspeaking world, and especially idiomatic usage of French. The course prepares students to
communicate in French-speaking cultures. At the end of the course, students will be prepared
to complete the IB French SL assessments. Students will be well-prepared to continue their
study of French at the university level.
IB Spanish SL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
This class is for students who have successfully completed Spanish 3 and would like to continue
their study at an advanced level. As students prepare for the IB Spanish SL exam, they will
increase their ability to work independently. They will also increase their fluency and
communication skills through oral and written practice, and will increase their ability to analyze
authentic literature and translate that analysis into sustained composition. Students will be
well-prepared to continue their study of Spanish at the university level.
IB Arabic SL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
This class is for students who have successfully completed Arabic 3 and would like to continue
their study at an advanced level. As students prepare for the IB Arabic SL exam, they will
increase their ability to work independently. They will also increase their fluency and
communication skills through oral and written practice, and will increase their ability to analyze
authentic literature and translate that analysis into sustained composition. Students will be
well-prepared to continue their study of Arabic at the university level.
IB French, Spanish, or Arabic Ab Initio SL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
“Ab Initio” is Latin for “Beginner’s Platform”. IB French, Spanish, or Arabic Ab Initio classes
offer 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to begin their study of foreign languages in
an IB setting. At this level, students develop the skills necessary for daily interactions using the
target language. Students have the option to complete IB Ab Initio SL assessments after Level 2
of the chosen language. No prior experience with the language is necessary to begin study at
the Ab Initio level.
Group 3: Individuals and Society
IB History HL: History of the Americas
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Description:
In this class, students will study 20th century world history with a focus on North, Central, and
South America. Students will gain an understanding of history as a discipline, including the
nature and diversity of sources, methods and interpretations. Students are encouraged to
comprehend the present by reflecting critically on the past. They are further expected to
understand historical developments at national, regional and international levels and learn
about their own historical identity through the study of the historical experiences of different
cultures. Students will complete an independent historical investigation, as well as the IB
History HL exams.
IB/AP Psychology SL
Course Duration: 1 year
Course Description:
Psychology is defined as the systematic study of human behavior and cognitive processes. This
course will focus on this definition as we focus on the following perspectives in psychology: the
biological, social, cognitive, and sociocultural. Additionally, we will examine the topics of health
psychology and sports psychology as time permits.
Students will perform various labs as part of the classroom experience. These labs will become
the basis of the IB internal assessment of creating an experimental study. At the end of the
year, students will be prepared to complete both the IB Psychology and AP Psychology tests.
Students are expected to complete one or both of these assessments as part of the course.
IB Global Politics SL
Course Duration: 1 year
Course Description:
The course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, liberty and equality, in a
range of contexts and at a variety of levels. It allows students to develop an understanding of
the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity, as well as allowing
them the opportunity to explore political issues affecting their own lives.
Global politics is a dynamic and stimulating subject which draws on a variety of disciplines in
the social sciences and humanities. The pilot course has been developed in collaboration with
educators and consultants with diverse experience and expertise, and has also drawn
inspiration from the success of existing politics focused school based syllabuses.
The global politics course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding
them in real world examples and case studies. The course also invites comparison between
such examples and case studies to ensure a transnational perspective. Developing international
mindedness and an awareness of multiple perspectives is at the heart of this course. It
encourages dialogue and debate, nurturing the capacity to interpret competing and contestable
claims.
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
IB Chemistry SL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
Topics covered are as follows: quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding,
energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry,
and measurement and data processing. The course also requires students to create a research
experiment in collaboration with other science classes. Students are encouraged to complete
two full years of IB Chemistry SL in order to be best prepared for the challenging IB Chemistry
SL assessments. Students who choose to complete 1 year of IB Chemistry SL should register
only for IB Chemistry SL Year 2. Students are only able to complete the IB Chemistry SL
assessments through the IB Chemistry Year 2 class.
Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science
IB Math Studies SL
Course Duration: 1 year
Course Description:
This is an advanced math course available to any student who has successfully completed
Advanced Algebra with B’s or better. At the end of IB Math Studies, students complete the IB
Math Studies assessments and are required to do an extensive Math research project. This
course concludes with a brief introduction to calculus. Students interested in studying math
and engineering in college should take the IB Mathematics SL 2-year sequence.
IB Mathematics SL
Course Duration: 2 years
Course Description:
This is a two year course open to 11th and 12th graders that have successfully completed
Advanced Algebra ( Algebra year 2) with C’s or better. This course will cover material that is
similar to a combination of Pre-Calculus and CIS/AP Calculus. At the end of year 2 students will
complete the IB assessments, and will be prepared to take the AP Calculus and University of
Minnesota assessments. Students will be well-prepared to continue their study of Mathematics
at the university level.
Group 6: The Arts
IB Visual Art SL or HL
Course Duration: 1 or 2 years
Course Description:
This full year studio-based course emphasizes both students' creative process and their final
artistic product in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional art forms. As students develop their craft
they will conduct thoughtful inquiry into their own thinking and art making processes—
recording this learning in written and visual formats. Students are expected to be
independently motivated as they research the history and practice of a chosen art form. They
will learn how to connect their research to their own work, creating art that expresses personal
meaning within a cultural context. In addition to learning how to appreciate and evaluate their
own work and that of others, students will be encouraged to stretch and explore their work and
share it with an audience through exhibitions and presentations.
In the Standard Level Students should try out many different media and styles to see what
interests them. Gradually they’ll identify themes in their own work. IB Art SL may be taken for
two full years, if desired, or a student may continue to HL in their second year of study.
In the Higher Level, students should concentrate their work in one or two media and focus on
developing a strong, cohesive portfolio of art. Thematic series must be pursued, and occur
naturally in most cases.
The IB program dictates that the class is 60 percent art production and 40 percent related
research (Option A—focusing on creation of art). As an alternative for students interested in
Art History, be 40 percent related art production and 60 percent research (Option B—focusing
on written, visual and verbal research of art history). IB Art students may choose to take the IB
Art exam in either option A or B and may earn college credit. Students are expected to
participate in all educational field experiences, and in gallery exhibitions, especially in their
senior year.
IB Music SL (2014-15)
Course Duration: 1 Year
Course Description:
IB music at Roosevelt is designed to develop an understanding of music from a variety of
cultures and how that music is relevant to the culture of the student as well as that of the
composer/traditional performer. Currently IB music is taught as a standard level course.
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All Roosevelt IB music students will start out at standard level. The initial focus will be
on building basic skills, while at the same time developing critical thinking skills
through creative thought.
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A Theory of Knowledge (TOK) concept will be the focus every week and students will
reflect on that concept through journaling. The TOK question will be in alignment
with the topic that week.
Students in SL music are required to choose one of three options;
1. SL Creating 2-pieces of coursework
2. SL Solo Performing 15 min.
3. SL Group Performing 20-30 min
As a result of taking this course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the principles,
practice, and theory of musical study. Students will develop skills of critical thinking, analysis,
and performance. Because the concepts in this course require performance options, students
will become better communicators and risk-takers in a global society.
For further details about any IB course curriculum and assessment, please visit:
http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/
The IB Learner Profile
IB learners strive to be…
Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct
inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this
love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global
significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a
broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize
and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work
effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and
respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for
their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and
are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They
are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow
from the experience.
Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of
others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to
the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to
achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are
able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning
and personal development.