ANSWER:

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a Grade 6 through 10 framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. Costs vary from year-to-year based on the number of staff members requiring professional development and the IB fees charged.

When implementation begins, the cost for professional development, regardless of school size, is based on sending eight teachers to required IB training (one each in the eight IB MYP core subject areas—mathematics, language and literature, science, individuals and societies, design, language acquisition, physical education, and arts). In addition, the principal, an assistant principal, and the media specialist attend the training.

Adding the MYP at Seneca Valley High School for FY 2016 would cost $78,436. This includes $37,782 for substitutes; professional part-time salaries; travel for professional learning; and dues, registration, and fees. The additional 0.6 teacher position (MYP coordinator) would cost $40,654, including employee benefits. Roberto W. Clemente and Martin Luther King middle schools, direct feeder schools to Seneca Valley High School, are currently IB MYP candidate schools and will apply for MYP authorization in the fall of 2016. Seneca Valley High School currently is only an IB Diploma school for Grades 11–12.

IB has an application process that typically takes two years to complete. To demonstrate readiness for the program, schools are required to show commitment to the IB philosophy, professional development, curriculum and assessment, and financial support from the school district administration and school board.