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. Adding a Middle Years Programme to a school, based on an average sized school, for FY 2016 would cost $101,430. This includes $46,140 for substitutes; professional part-time salaries; travel for professional learning for staff; and dues, and registration, and fees. The additional 0.8 teacher position (MYP coordinator) would cost $55,290, including employee benefits.

Enrollment does not factor into the decision to introduce an IB Programme to a school. The annual fee for the MYP would be the same for all schools regardless of their enrollment. The operational cost for the program would be higher for a larger school due to the number of teachers attending the mandatory one day in-house introductory training for new schools. This cost is an average of $7,500 for the one day training which is typically done during teacher pre-service week during year two of the program.

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.

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.