Dec. 20 — IB or not to be?

Students enrolled in Sumner High’s International Baccalaureate program reflect on their experience thus far

Roxanne Cooke of The Herald

As the first few months of the school year wind down into winter break, students recently enrolled in Sumner’s International Baccalaureate program maintain their sense of humor — and that’s vital, considering the size of high school junior Robyn Dolson’s enormous binder, crammed with notes and homework.

And that mammoth covers just one day of classes.

“Somehow we’ll all survive,” joked student Erinn Carlson, who is also a junior enrolled in the rigorous program.

But jesting aside, these two students agree that the extra load of work is a worthy challenge that offers them vital skills useful in college courses and a future career.

“It’s so much more of a challenge,” Dolson said. “You feel kind of proud of yourself.”

IB is a two-year undertaking of advanced courses in several subjects, volunteer hours and a research project. High school juniors and seniors who enroll full time and complete all requirements, including exams, qualify to receive the IB Diploma. That diploma can provide up to a year of college credit at some colleges. Students can also opt to take selected IB courses, but only those enrolled full-time have the chance to gain college credit.

Dolson, who is enrolled in the program full time, said it’s not just about regurgitating names and facts. Classes focus on why ideas are important, and many subjects overlap and intertwine concepts and historical figures, which strengthens learning.

That’s what “true learning” is all about, said IB Program Coordinator Chris Prestin. The goal is to make it meaningful so that it sticks.

“That’s the power of learning,” Prestin said. “Students can make connections across curriculum.”

Because the work is relevant, it’s worth doing, Dolson said. Her grades are the best they’ve ever been. Plus, gaining college credit while still in high school opens up more opportunities, such as additional time to earn more degrees.

However, it also closes some social doors, she added. The workload is heavy and the classes are demanding, leaving little time for extracurriculars. Both she and Carlson aren’t involved in extracurriculars until next spring, so they’re not sure how those activities will be affected, but they’ve had less time with friends with the new load of homework.

“It’s just a change we have to adjust to,” Carlson said. “It’ll be worth it.”

On the bright side, though, teachers are eager and willing to help work out the kinks, Dolson said. And teachers are preparing students for the tests well in advance.

The curriculum is an improvement over Advanced Placement classes, Prestin said. AP teachers teach autonomously, but IB requires teachers to work as a team to coordinate curriculum and testing and project scheduling.

Implementing the new IB program has been a huge undertaking, Prestin said. It’s important, when recruiting, to let students know what they’re in for — but not to discourage.

“We don’t want barriers but we don’t want kids drowning, either,” she said. “We want to encourage but not overwhelm.”

Parents are starting to get involved in planning fun event nights for students to help ease the stress of schoolwork.

Students want a reprieve from studying, Dolson said.

“It’s a good thing that the parents have taken on,” she said.

When school starts up again, IB students will continue to prepare for the school’s first internal assessment of IB students to see how things are going.

Carlson is planning to stick with the program; Dolson is considering an early enrollment program in an East Coast college next year. Both agree that not everyone is as enthusiastic as they are. Dolson said some students are taking bets on who can last.

Enrollment in the program for the first year was larger than expected, said Sumner High Principal Bill Gaines. But the students are adjusting well.

“It’s not insurmountable,” Gaines said. “I think it’s going really well.”

In the works are some surveys that will help the school make adjustments for future students. Sumner High will also add an IB film class and music theory class for next year as electives.

The IB program was made possible by the career-long effort of former Superintendent Donald Eismann, who favored high academic standards. More than 100 students are enrolled so far, with 40 aiming for full IB diplomas.

Reach Reporter Roxanne Cooke at 253-841-2481 ext. 314 or by e-mail at roxanne.cooke@puyallupherald.com.