Focusing attention toward the goals in Destination 2025 involves ensuring equitable opportunities for all students looking for a challenging learning experience. A thorough review of the admissions and selection process is a logical step for I.B. programs in Henrico.

Addressing recommendations from the 2020 I.B. evaluation report, the department will continue to refine how I.B. principles merge in the design, delivery and assessment framework within the division’s five authorized I.B. schools.

Fidelity across our programs within curricular experiences will move HCPS I.B. programs to the next level with a more systematic review and feedback cycle of support for the staff. Pulling teams together to set and establish expectations, along with application of the recommendations from our 2020 evaluation, will result in targeted professional learning opportunities.

As recommended in the I.B. evaluation, relevant and ongoing professional development is a key to implementing I.B. programs successfully. In an effort to further move I.B. principles into practice, developing an I.B.-infused annual professional development plan for each school is the first immediate action. The alignment of professional learning plans amongst all HCPS I.B. schools will ensure a consistent approach to supporting core I.B. elements.

Secondly, the I.B. team will focus on the fidelity within curriculum unit design, incorporation of skills students need in order to learn the content, opportunities for service, and action beyond the classroom. Support for the development and review of I.B. units with targeted feedback will strengthen the partnerships across the division. Doing so will not only strengthen the I.B. programs’ progress but will also build up the division’s community of I.B. educators.

Each action taken in the growth of the I.B. programs must be done with an intentional focus on providing rigorous opportunities for the greatest number of students. These can be accomplished through a variety of actions. Henrico High School will complete the journey for full authorization as a Career-related Program prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year. J.R. Tucker High School will maximize the brand-new learning facility through use of new learning spaces to foster collaboration across programs and content areas. In addition, HCPS will address the number of seats available to ensure a balance of opportunities for students feeding into the Fairfield, George Moody and Tuckahoe middle schools’ I.B. programs.

In support of the fourth and final recommendation of the 2020 IB Program Evaluation, we look to complete the full IB journey by supporting our three middle years programs at Fairfield, Tuckahoe, and Moody in a move to a whole school program.  By broadening access to all students attending these zoned schools, we would be leveraging the current authorized program status to give additional rigorous opportunities to more students.

Expansion of the IB programs in our I.B. schools is referred to as “growing the pie.” This plan will allow more zoned students in the neighborhood to experience benefits that come with learning in an I.B. World School through I.B. instructional principles, without taking away services from existing students.