It was a cold day in Ohio, during the winter season in the state of Ohio at West Holmes High School. I was in the library due to the fact that I had been signed out of study hall for the purpose of working on an extensive essay that required the use of a computer. As I was finishing my assignment for CP English 10, I stumbled over the "TRI-COUNTY INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM" section. Being an accelerated student by taking junior mathematics and science, I had decided to investigate this program. I found out that these courses would be taken at Wooster High School. I was excited due to the fact that I had seen that Wooster High School offered AP Computer Science. I figured that I could do that in conjunction with the IB program.
I had received the information from my guidance counselor at West Holmes. Shortly after, the equivalent of Jay Carney of the Obama Administration, Mr. B., came to the Excalibur Theater at West Holmes High School. Fortunately, I was the only individual to appear. He made promises of "gold and luxury" by mentioning that I would potentially be able to take AP Computer Science. He had also mentioned that it would be a college-like experience. He spoke of many words in regards to how superior this program would be to the PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Option) program, which I will discuss at a later time in this true article regarding the IB program. Anyway, Carney, I mean, Mr. B., invited me to a "royal" visit around the great Wooster High School.
Before you continue to read this, keep in mind that I am from a less populated school. When I took the rather extensive ride to Wooster High School, I remember being directed to the IB History room. In that room, a senior took me through the IB classrooms. My first stop was IB Biology 12. I was immediately in belief that it was a rather college-oriented program due to the fact that I saw a coffee maker. I also saw many laptops being used. One student was even using Facebook as Mrs. V. was about to hand out a short quiz. At West Holmes, we rarely ever used technology in the classroom. Plus, I thought that the IB had more freedom in terms of independence. Next, we visited IB Math with Mrs. W. Her class appeared to be very fast. I did not comprehend it at all, however, I just figured that it was normal due to the fact that I was viewing IB Math 12. After that, we saw Mr. S., who appeared to make a difficult class seem less difficult by preaching of its difficulty. I believe that we were to visit the cafeteria for lunch after that. Remember, I am from a much smaller school. When I saw that cafeteria, I believed that it was amazing to see the speed of the lines go through. I was also impressed by the number of lines during lunch due to the fact that West Holmes High School only had 2 lines that nearly accumulated the entire period to go through, especially if you were only in the 9th or 10th grade. I think that, as surprising as that sounds, convinced me to come here because it played a role of more freedom. I also enjoyed the IB table because they called it their "society" table.
Anyway, back to discussing the academics. After lunch, we visited IB History. IB History was also a major factor in terms of making the decision to go through with the IB program due to the simple fact that I appreciated the teacher's way of teaching IB History via analyzing and highlighting the context. The last stop was IB English with Mr. F. IB English seemed like it would have been a class that would be worth taking at the time. It seemed simple enough due to his impression of the curriculum by reading and taking a quiz regarding a temporary novel. After going through the orientation, I went home to seriously consider the IB program. I thought that most of the subjects would be alright to comprehend, however, I was not quite sure that I would comprehend IB Mathematics, therefore, I had read about partially completing the IB program by only taking the courses that you would feel the most comfortable with. Even the most current course selection guide at Wooster High School states that the certificate program would still be available.
After my father had a discussion with Mr. B., I was told, similar to how Jay Carney describes the Obama Care by stating that you either subscribe or go to jail, that you either go through the entire program or return to West Holmes. There would be absolutely no negotiations. I am still curious to know why more students were enrolled in IB classes when the program was offered in a selective manner. I still had decided to attend the IB program. Anything is better than going back to West Holmes because the school does not offer the academics that Wooster High School provides. It was in that moment that I had decided to go through with the IB program, knowing that I would probably not be in it within four weeks after initially joining the program. I did, however, strategically plan to apply for open-oriented enrollment at Wooster High School due to the fact that I had it figured out in a way such that if I would apply in the IB program, then I would have a greater chance of being accepted due to the fact that the seating would make logical sense. I also planned on being in the Wooster High School Marching Band. Alright, it is now time to explain the reality of the situation. My first day in the IB program went rather well, however, I did not believe that I would do very well in IB Mathematics 11 after observing the review worksheet. Anyway, this a rapid summary regarding my thoughts as I went through the IB program. I really enjoyed IB Spanish 11 due to the fact that I was able to comprehend that class. Actually, this is information that you need to know in regards to IB program if you are planning to go through with the entire program. If you are going through with the entire IB program, then you must have a strong prerequisite background in all of the subjects covered by the IB program in Wooster. Alright, this is my opinion regarding IB Math 11. Look, in Wooster, you can be ahead of your class in mathematics by 2 years. Additionally, the Wooster City School District takes mathematics very seriously. At West Holmes, you can only progress by one year in mathematics. Plus, our mathematics curriculum is not comparable to the mathematics that Wooster High School offers. West Holmes is not much of an academic school. West Holmes is more of a "magnet" school for students who are extremely athletic. Anyway, I did extremely well in CP Algebra 1 because there was actually a very formal structure that Ms. Carlson had for our class of mathematics. It is not randomly taught, which is actually the form of teaching that can seriously confuse me in a class of Mathematics. In CP Geometry, the curriculum had also been structured to the point in which the curriculum was understandable, however, this changes when I entered CP Algebra 2 during 10th grade. I had Mrs. S. for this course. This teacher had less of a structure when it came to teaching a class of mathematics. As a matter of fact, I was originally supposed to have Mrs. G. for CP Algebra 2, however, I requested Mrs. Smith due to the fact that the students had told me that she would mathematics fun and simple. Little did I know that what they said would end up being far from the truth. Of course, she loves to have fun in the classroom by discussing topics that were not related to mathematics at all. Actually, she would teach Algebra 2 in reverse. She would force you to learn new concepts by forcing you to work through difficult story-oriented problems before teaching the basic concept! This threw everybody off of the position of comprehending mathematics. If you had a question, then she will make fun of you for asking the question. Listen, take the next statement to your heart. Do not ever go for the most entertaining teacher due to the fact that those teachers are not likely to assist you with your goals and objectives at all. The elderly teachers will not be as friendly or entertaining, however, they will assist you in such a way that you will understand the curriculum! The only students who did well in her class would have been the cheaters who decided to copy from the student who had to use YouTube in order understand the concepts. It is very true... As I had said before, I hope that you have a strong background in terms of mathematics due to the fact that IB Math videos on YouTube are very rare to discover on YouTube.
I would also recommend having an individual from your school to be in the IB program with you due to the fact that you have somebody to work with. If you do not have anybody to work with, especially when it comes to IB Math 11, then you are going to have quite a few real issues! Additionally, the IB Math 11 teacher does not really go over her notes. Her notes are rather quick. I typically did not have enough time to write anything down, however, that must be a typical occurrence in IB Math 11 due to the fact that she did tell us not write anything down. It did, however, make it appear as if had always said that. What really bothers me is that Wooster only has IB Math 11 & 12 (SL & HL), which is truly unfortunate due to the fact that there is a more lenient mathematics course in the IB program called IB Math Studies to the organization. Basically, in my opinion, it is similar to a typical version of Pre-Calculus that you would take at any school. Let me also just add that Mrs. W. will give you a bell quiz almost every single day, even if you did not understand the homework assignment! Also, be advised that none of your 3-hour homework assignments in IB Math 11 will ever be graded. Anyway, the mathematics of the IB program would be the main reason as to why I "left" the IB program.
To move on, Chemistry was very interesting to me. I did, however, because of my weak background in mathematics from West Holmes High School, I struggled with the first chapter due to the fact that it regarded mathematics. Before I left, I really comprehended the second chapter. This came as a shock to me because I had taken Chemistry at my previous high school, however, as I said, West Holmes is not quite the academic-oriented district. The worst part is that Mr. S. never even asked if I needed any assistance, which makes sense because I never asked for it. Anyway, it appeared as if though he had just taken the situation to Mr. B. due to the fact that he obviously no longer wanted me in the classroom anymore. Also, in the IB program, I took the IB Biology course. Mrs. V. was a very kind teacher. She will really assist you if you do not understand a particular section throughout the course. She even went as far as making us purchase study guides to enhance our performance on the exams that we had been taking. She is the IB teacher who wants to glorify and build the IB program. I believe that she oversees the IB Yearbook Program. Additionally, she does have a coffee maker for promotional purposes in regards to the IB program during the day of orientation. There were 2 points that I did not appreciate in regards to the actions on the teacher's vicinity of ethics. I did not do too well on one of her exams, therefore, she started to basically gossip my score to the other IB teachers, which really made me upset. I also did not like the fact she made her own cells for a quiz due to the fact that the cell was rather difficult to comprehend. A model could have been better.
Now, this is my opinion in regards to how the students eat lunch in the IB program. This is why I wanted you to remember the reason as to why I had come from a smaller school. I will tell you that eating lunch is something that you will not dislike about the IB program. The IB students, this applies to my grade, eat during the first session of the lunch for the high schools students. The time for waiting in any of the many lines would be a short amount of time. Additionally, there are many options that will fit your needs regarding hunger. You also have the privilege of going upstairs in order to eat in the IB History classroom. I see why they are doing this. It would simply be, in my opinion, due to the fact that it is a failed attempt toward making the IB program feel similar to a college-oriented environment within a high school. You might potentially believe that this is great, however, this is not a factor that should even be considered when pondering in regards to participating in the IB program.
After lunch, I had IB History 11 with Mrs. B.. The content of the IB History 11 course at Wooster High School basically regards the history of North America and South America. Personally, I enjoyed the content covered by this course, however, the teacher is rather interesting. Mrs. B. had a very interesting way of teaching in regards to how she teaches IB History 11. Mrs. B. will actually cover an unbelievable amount of information. Following that, she will give you a fair exam over the content. Prior to taking an exam, you are given what students to as "Foner" assignments. These assignments are poorly executed on the "Blackboard" client, which is basically a web program that Wooster High School offers for the purpose of classrooms that need more than ProgressBook to distribute information to students. Her assignments were actually poorly scanned, therefore, it made reading the assignments very difficult due to the fact that those assignments can barely be read. If you are considering the IB program, then just comprehend the fact that she also "picks" at every essay or response that you will ever write due to the fact that I believe that she is one of those IB teachers who overuses "rigorous", which apparently means that you can take points off over anything! It does not matter how hard you attempt to write an essay in her classroom. She will always find a way to deduct points from your overall score. She is, however, very kind in terms of assisting you. Recently, however, due to the fact that I am no longer in the IB Program, she will no kings engage in communication with me. I did finally notice shortly after leaving the IB program. It is quite trivial to say the least. It seems as if she will only communicate with you if you are a part of the IB society. I do take those reactions in a very personal manner, however, I understand due to the fact that she only teaches the majestic IB students. I would, however, take this if Wooster would offer the IB program in a selective manner.
Mrs. B. also teaches a "ToK" (Theory of Knowledge) course that goes along with the IB program. Quite honestly, this, in my opinion and ones of many other, would gladly concur that it is an enormous waste of valuable class time. Most of the IB students across the globe refer to it as "BS" every time a lecture of that course is presented. Basically, it is a course for you to study the reason as to why we study. It appears to sound quite complex, however, in reality, it has some of the most humorous content that I have ever seen in my life. One assignment wanted you to absorb the reason as to what would happen if we were to learn how to study maps by reading maps in a flipped manner. This course is also poorly executed. The "TED" speeches are the assignments that are properly executed on BlackBoard. The rest of the assignments have the equivalent execution methods that IB History 11 retains.
Be warned if you go through the IB orientation. The members will attempt to "suck" you in to the program by showing you that there are sofas in the classroom. Do not buy this at all due to the fact that they barely ever use those items. This should not be a contributing factor as to why you want to be in the IB program. They just want to make the program seem unique in this way. Believe me, if you want to study by sitting on a sofa, then go to college, which would most likely be the PSEO for you! Also, be aware of the fact that you will have to complete an extended essay for this. Alright, so my last class was IB English 11 with Mr. F.. Mr. F. is a very interesting character in my eyes. The course description for this course can be described in very general terms. Essentially, through my experience of being in the IB program, it is a course that covers reading context from different time frames and cultures. Most of the exams in the course barely ever about the story, which is unreadable if you cannot comprehend a very old and "dry" English vernacular. Anyway, most of the exams basically ask you questions regarding what you believe that the context that you cannot understand actually means. The second part of the course is the equivalent of an extremely intense grammar course. I will caution you in regards to the fact that Mr. F. will go through notes in a very quick-oriented manner. That is basically a synopsis in regards to what Wooster High School, I mean, "Tri-County" has for IB courses. I do not believe that I have covered testing, so let me explain that to you. When you take an AP (Advanced Placement) course, you study for approximately one school year. After that, you are to take the AP exam that is scored from 1-5. Most colleges will accept a score of 3. If you seriously want another diploma, them score well in AP courses for a diploma from CollegeBoard that nobody has ever heard of in Ohio! In the IB program, the courses continue for approximately 2 years. After that, you taken an exam that basically covers what you learned in the IB program over 2 years. The IB program is a diploma program, therefore, if you do well on your IB exams, then you can receive a diploma.
Mr. B. will convince you that the IB program is a great program to be in. Including what he told me from what I had told you above in previous statements, Carney, I mean, Mr. B., promised many scholarships, which would be one example. He mentioned to me that a girl was admitted to Stanford after being in the IB program. Additionally, he told me that there would be many scholarships. Little did I even contemplate the fact that her family members are poor, therefore, she qualified for families with low incomes. There was also a girl who did not even receive one scholarship linked to the fact that she finished the program. Both of these facts were mentioned to me by individuals of Wooster High School who are not members of the holy IB program. A spokesperson from Heidelberg University in Ohio told me that they only accept individuals to take one free year at Heidelberg if they have earned the IB diploma. Also, he had mentioned that they only accept IB courses if you completed the exam with a score of 7. According to Mr. B.,, the PS of the IB program, told everybody during a meeting that they would accept you for "just taking the program", which ended up being a false statement. Anyway, the application process is quite simple to explain. In a short description, you have 2 teachers fill out 2 separate recommendation forms for you. One must of the mathematics and science department, however, the other form must be completed by a teacher that would reside from a department within the vicinity of language. I know that the essay would like you to create an essay in regards to why you want to be in the IB program. You also have to pick a topic and write in regards to that topic. Mr. B. claimed that there is an IB review board that looks over your application, however, another employee of the Tri-County ESC told me a different story, however, I cannot confirm if a review board does exist. If you have been accepted by the "review board", then you and your parents will receive a message regarding your acceptance to go through 2 years of regret. You will be invited to join a short meeting that basically regards to information about the program. During the summer, you will receive 2 summer assignments from the IB program. You will be given 2 assignments from IB History and IB English 11. You are also required to purchase your own materials. Anyway, Shortly after I was accepted to be a student at Wooster High School, concerns regarding my grades in IB Math 11 were being routed to Mr. B. Thankfully, my hope of being a student of Wooster High School ended in a successful manner. Next, I would like to discuss what it would be like if you would choose to drop out of this majestic program. If you would happen to leave the program, then you would go back to your home school, however, if you are a student of Wooster High School, then you are sent to your guidance counselor.
I realized that you should probably not attend a school that would rather pour all of their funds in order to fund athletic programs over academics. At West Holmes High School, I was actually very intelligent. I was not just one year ahead in mathematics, however, I was also ahead in mathematics and science, which rarely ever heard of at West Holmes High School. Wooster is a completely different school. Wooster invests most of their funds to be used for academics over athletics. At Wooster, there are several students who are way ahead of me in terms of academics. Apparently, because I do not meet the criteria that Wooster has set for their students, which was not designed for students who are coming from significantly smaller school districts. Because of the that, I have to take "Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry" due to that fact that the Pre-Calculus standings at Wooster High School do not compare to those of West Holmes High School. They did, however, allow me to take AP Computer Science. Starting new courses four weeks after school started would not be considered to be simple. I really struggled to catch up in all of my classes. Oh, by the way, all of your IB scores are transferred after you leave the program, so IB can really damage your GPA (Grade Point Average) if you do not leave within the first few days. Anyway, Mr. G. will be discussed as of right now. So, Mr. G. seemed to be a really nice man when I met him, however, I quickly learned about him after being in his class for a few weeks. Knowing that I was catching up in all of my other classes at the time, he made every chapter in the book due in one week. I would be able to do that, however, he was cramming everything to be due in a week. Originally, those assignments would be due with more time. I was already attempting to catch up in my new classes. Apparently, he cared more about, in my opinion, being buddies with everybody else in the classroom. I was left to do everything on my own, which was fine. I would have been caught up within a week, however, he decided to call my father in order to tell him that I should no longer be taking his course. Look, for anybody reading this, my father only supports what I want, therefore, if I am not being forced to leave by a school administrator, then I am not leaving that class, however, after discussing what could potentially appear on my report card with an administrator, I have made the decision to leave the course.
Anyway, the administrator, who will also remain anonymous, still did not allow me to take Pre-Calculus. This is the way I am going to look at it. Apparently, Wooster can only read numbers, not what comes out of the heart. Also, why would even matter in regards to what course of mathematics I decide to take? Will this decision even matter 80 years from now? If I do not have Pre-Calculus within a few weeks, then I am going to Akron Firestone High School. I am also considering an online course, which would be Pre-Calculus. Also, at West Holmes, I was on the route to take AP Spanish IV, however, that will not happen at Wooster High School, therefore, if I stay, then I will have to that course online. I will also have to rehire my old tutor for Pre-Calculus. Do you know what I am learning from all of this in regards to scheduling? I am learning that everything in life can be solved with money.
By the way, since I decided to attend Wooster High School, Mr. A. is having me play the cymbals. I would still be playing the bass drum if it were not for the IB program.
Prior to leaving the IB program, I visited a college that offers the PSEO program, which would be the University of Akron. I would be referring to the subsidiary in Wayne County, Ohio. After visiting that college, I know what I am going to do as an alternative to the questionable IB program. First, I visited their guidance counselor. She was extremely kind to me from the very beginning, which would not be the same impression I receive from the guidance counselor of the IB program. First, she explained the program. After that, she showed the courses that the college had to offer. I was struck when I saw they offer a computer science course. Also, they have a very nice food-oriented vicinity. Additionally, I was presented with a room for tutoring, which is an entity in which the IB program will never comprehend. Plus, you do not have to be on a strict schedule, which honestly demonstrates what a real experience in college would be similar to. You do not have to be there at 7:44 AM, especially when you live an extended distance from the school. As a matter of fact, on particular days throughout the week, You may potentially not even have school, which does not mean that you should no absolutely nothing during those days, however, those days would allow you work on your studies. Also, not all of the courses will be really early, therefore, you will not have to be up and ready by 5:00 AM, which does not say that you should be up later, however, it will permit you to be ready and alert for school. This is that absolute opposite of how a high school would function. By the way, I should add that IB teachers love assigning papers over a long week in which we would not have school. I believe that the PSEO program would have been the best option for me. I also believe that it is a great alternative to the IB Program!
If you feel afraid to come forward regarding you experiences with the IB program, then feel free to send me a message by using "
michaelw352@yahoo.com" as the main address. I can also be reached through the "(614) 578-4631" iPhone number. I can explain what can be done through your situation. I will congratulate you if you choose to drop such a program that is composed of many faults. Alright, I am finished with this topic. This topic was completed at 9:45 PM in the state of Kentucky for no reason at all. Now, I will drive back to the state of Ohio after submitting this essay to a number of sources. I hope you have an open mind toward AP and PESOP. Would you like to know more about the truth regarding the IB program? Visit the website that I have provided in this essay.
Good Luck,
Michael Phillips
(Columbus, Ohio)
