Whittier is proud to be taking the first step toward authorization.  The initial stage determines our readiness to enter into Implementation.  Attending a PYP Introductory Seminar and Application Phase Teacher Training Workshops is part of this process.  We will be sending representatives to Montreal in March.

The Whittier faculty, joined by a group of parents, has been learning about and discussing the components and philosophy for the past month.  Mr. Christie has visited Colorado's first and only authorized elementary school to observe the programme in action.  We have ordered guides for implementing the IB Programme. They will be available in the library for consideration by parents and teachers.

The more we are finding out, the more we are convinced that the International Baccalaureate Programme is a perfect fit with the Whittier School community.  Because of the variety of countries and cultures represented in our student population, the major PYP goal of sharing an academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints to foster tolerance and inter-cultural understanding among young people naturally dovetails with our present efforts.

 If you would like to join us in this endeavor, please contact Rick Christie (303-442-2282) or Craig Yager.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) is a nonprofit educational foundation with its headquarters in Switzerland; it was created in 1968.  It provides three related programmes to 1,030 authorized schools in 101 countries:  its flagship pre-university IB Diploma Programme; the Middle Years Programme, created in 1992 for students aged 11-16 and the recently created (1998) Primary Years Programme for children aged 3-11 (PYP).

The Diploma Programme grew out of the efforts of international schools to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for geographically mobile students.  International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealistic vision: they hoped that a shared academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints would foster tolerance and inter-cultural understanding among young people.  The IBO has evolved from a service to the international community and now offers a full range of programmes to a varied group of schools, including a large number of state schools, around the world.

If you would like to be part of this exciting new phase in the long history of Whittier School, please contact Principal Rick Christie (303-442-2282) or email Craig Yager, staff liaison, at yagerc@bvsd.k12.co.us.