School Board To Vote On Whether Streams Will Become All IB

The Upper St. Clair School Board is scheduled to vote tonight on whether to make an all-IB school.

administrators at the last school board committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 13.

Administrators would like to make the transition during the next three years. In the 2012-13 school year, first and second graders in the traditional program would move to . In 2013-14, traditional third graders would move and the kindergarten program would be converted to PYP. And finally in 2014-15, fourth graders would move.

The traditional program students in the Streams Elementary district would be moved to Baker because there is room for more students there. Also, Baker is only one mile away from Streams.

In the school's paperwork, Superintendent Patrick O'Toole lists the following reasons for the recommendation:

1. School choice options are growing throughout the region including charters, cyber-charters and private schools. The International Baccalaureate Organization programs offer school-choice options for parents and students in Upper St. Clair.

2. USC adopted the Primary Years Program at Streams Elementary School after initially exploring several choice school options, including multi-age level grouping and grade level looping.

3. PYP has shown growth and success since its implementation in 1998, its authorization in 2004 and its reauthorization in 2008.

4. The PYP enrollment at Streams has grown to a point where only a single traditional classroom remains at each grade level (1-4), and waiting lists exist for students requesting entry into the program.

5. Limitations of the present model of a single traditional section per grade level include:
  a) Students cannot be re-grouped from year-to-year in order to maximize educational opportunities (such as reading instruction and special education services) and enhance social development.
  b) Some students remain on a waiting list throughout their elementary years.

6. A review committee in 2007 supported the continuation of the IBO programs in the Upper St. Clair School District following an extensive study.

7. The PYP framework aligns closely with the mission of USC, supporting the development of “life long learners and responsible citizens for a global society,” as well as the goals of the district’s strategic plan.

8. The PYP delivers the Upper St. Clair School District's curriculum and continues to be a part of the USC curriculum development process, which fosters continuous improvement, research based best educational practices, professional reflection and high expectations for all learners.

9. The “phasing approach” will allow for more effective monitoring and adjusting of classrooms and school enrollments.

10. IBO regulations require full-school implementation of PYP.

Monday night's meeting location has been changed and will take place at 7 p.m. in the 's LGI room.

How would you like the school board to vote? Tell us in the comments.