About Us
Whitney Young Elementary began pursuing authorization to implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) in January 2009 so that the District could offer this prestigious program as one of the many choices available to families.
The strength of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is the belief about the importance of an international education. The foundation of the program is built from the work of practicing teachers and administrators in schools from around the world. The Learner Profile is at the heart of this philosophy.
The Primary Years Program (PYP) is a curriculum framework. It is designed to meet the developmental needs of students ranging in ages from 3 to 12. The PYP is a coherent and comprehensive program that allows teams of teachers to develop content that is relevant to the cultural context of the school. Teaching teams develop, teach, and assess the Program of Inquiry. Young's teachers have been trained to shape the curriculum according to local, state, and federal requirements as well as to the cultural realities and priorities of our school.
The curriculum is structured around transdisciplinary themes, concepts and skills. Instruction is based on inquiry. Learning occurs through guided experiences that spark students' natural curiosity and increase their knowledge. Additionally, the PYP supports language learning. Students are taught a second language by age 7 and receive support for their native language development. At Young, students are provided ninety minutes of French instruction a week beginning in kindergarten.
The program's effectiveness is monitored with the assistance of a consultant from the IB Organization. Teacher and administrator feedback and student data are also used. Teachers assess all aspects of student learning, including state tests, internally. At the fifth grade level, students participate in a culminating experience, called the Exhibition, that synthesizes their learning. Teachers at all grade levels collect data on student process and progress. Electronic reports are available to students, parents, and teachers. This ability to assess, reflect, and provide feedback is essential to increasing student achievement.
The PYP is an inclusive program with the flexibility to meet the needs of students in all age groups. It prepares students both intellectually and personally to be successful in the Middle Years Programme, High School Diploma Programme and in higher education.