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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) offers a unique and distinct academic environment for students between grades 5-10. The six-year program structures each student’s academic experience through an instructional methodology focused on concept-based learning, vertically-articulated assessments, and a strong commitment to community service - all culminating with a Personal Project in the final year (10th grade).
Teachers in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) use research-based instructional methodologies including the use of statements of inquiry to guide a unit, formative and summative assessments, interdisciplinary activities, concept-based units developed through global contexts, consistent reflection, approaches to learning, and a vertically-articulated curriculum. Strong connections exist between all levels of the program, and rigor and continuity are stressed throughout the six years.
Every year, students participate in grade and subject level tasks that are assessed according to the objectives found in the chart below. The tasks are articulated throughout all six years, each building on the previous year and emphasizing the continuity and constructive nature of learning. These tasks prepare the student for the rigor of the assessments the following year, which in turn help prepare students to take advantage of the opportunities offered through the IB Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12.
The MYP assessment objectives across subject groups are summarized below. Students are assessed on 4 criteria for each subject twice per year. Scores have values of 0-8 and are reported on student report cards. The scores represent the degree to which a student demonstrated the performance expectations described on the rubric. A summary of the levels can be found on the color coded chart below.
Grades 5-6 | Grades 7-8 | Grades 9-10 | |
---|---|---|---|
Art | |||
Design | |||
ELA | |||
Math | |||
Music | |||
PE/Health | |||
Science | |||
Social Studies | |||
World Language |
Each criteria is scored out of 8 points. Students are assessed on each criteria at least twice per year. The scores are reported on students report card. The scores can be interpreted as follows:
All students are expected to perform community service, with the intention of creating a sense of responsibility to their peers, their families, their school, and their community. Each student has the opportunity to participate in a school-wide community project at Merton Williams Middle School during seventh and eighth grade. Students can opt to do community service activities as part of their sixth grade Power of One or Exhibition projects as well as the 10th grade Personal Project.