The Vineyard Gazette – Martha’s Vineyard News

Nearly two years after the implementation of the International Baccalaureate program, Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School is preparing its first cohort of students to graduate from the prestigious program.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is designed to expose juniors and seniors to global perspectives and facilitate student-driven learning and critical thinking. Several of the charter school students will graduate this spring with a high school diploma and an IB diploma, which qualifies them for college credit at participating universities.

“By the time you get to college, you should have written this massive research paper, navigated some very high-stakes tests, worked in a group, and developed a long-term project independently,” said Pete Steedman, principal of the charter school.

Mr Steedman took over as head of the school in 2018 but has worked with the IB program for 25 years. The IB program began as a program accessible only to students considered high achievers by their schools, he explained. But the charter school curriculum aims to be more inclusive and is open to all students when they begin their first year.

Students, teachers and parents attend an IB discussion at the charter school. — Ray Ewing

The charter school offers three IB pathways: the diploma programme, the career-related program and the coursework programme. Students can choose the option that best suits them and their desired level of rigor.

At a charter school event on Tuesday evening, students and teachers presented work representing various IB classes.

Junior Ella Blodgett anchored the IB math table and said while the classes are challenging, her enthusiasm for the program is rooted in her enthusiasm for travel and the future pursuit of international education.

“It’s difficult and it’s a lot more than if you had to take regular classes, but it’s IB so it’s expected,” she said.

The students are not the only ones to have had to get used to the demanding curriculum. Charter school teachers completed IB training courses before the school officially adopted the program in the fall of 2021. In a few years, they will be required to participate in follow-up training.

Kate Cosgrove demonstrates her IB class. — Ray Ewing

Jonah Maidoff, who teaches Theory of Knowledge, an IB discussion-based philosophy course, described the process as grueling.

“I went to Florida, which was horrible,” he said. “It was May and it was 100 degrees and I booked a cheap hotel so I had to walk half a mile to the conference center. Then we talked about philosophy all day.

Ultimately, however, he said it was worth being able to lead such an engaging and challenging course.

Mr Steedman and IB coordinator Hillary Smith praised everyone’s hard work and dedication. All nine students in this year’s class began their high school careers at the start of the pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped them from pursuing academic excellence, Steedman said.

“This year’s senior class kept their sense of humor going through all the challenges that were thrown their way,” he said. “What courage these students had to do that.”