Oxford Community Schools received authorization Nov. 4 for its final two International Baccalaureate World Schools ? Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School.
Both schools (grades 6-10) are part of the IB Middle Years Programme, making Oxford Community Schools the first public school district in Michigan to receive PreK-12 authorization.
‘This puts Oxford Community Schools in a leadership role as an IB school district in Michigan,? said Superintendent Dr. William Skilling. ‘I am proud of the dedication, commitment, perseverance and selflessness of our Pre-K through high school staff, support staff, and administration. We would not be where we are today without them.?
This final authorization also completes both the district’s 2008-2013 strategic plan as well as the Michigan Department of Education’s Project ReImagine grant. Oxford Schools was one of only 14 districts in the state designated as a lighthouse district for Project ReImagine.
‘State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan fulfilled his promise to remove any barrier or grant any waiver he was legally authorized to in order for us to move forward,? explained Dr. Skilling. ‘Without his steadfast support, fulfilling Project ReImagine and becoming PreK-12 IB authorized would not have been possible.?
The IB Middle Years Programme provides the framework for academic challenge and rigor that is embedded into the curriculum as mandated by the State of Michigan and Federal Government. This framework is based on three fundamental concepts: holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication.
Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School began their work toward IB authorization in June 2010.
As of the 2013-2014 school year, Oxford Community Schools not only has district-wide implementation and accreditation, but also features the most certified IB teachers and administrators (more than 250) in the world.
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end, the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.