Xin Wang and Tamia Penn – RMC Research Corporation
Researchers from RMC Research Corporation conducted a mixed-methods study to examine the pilot implementation of International Baccalaureate (IB) schoolwide adoption of language A coursework in the Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP). Heads and coordinators from 54 of the 67 participating schools responded to surveys, exploring perceptions of the initiative, factors that facilitated its implementation, and barriers to schoolwide adoption. Researchers found slight positive changes in the engagement of students, district and school leaders, families, and school communities with IB programmes. They also found slight positive changes in teachers’ collaboration and professional learning, and in educators’ understanding of IB programmes. Some factors that facilitated the implementation of schoolwide adoption included IB-provided training for teachers new to the DP or CP, IB educator support, and one-on-one check-ins with IB staff. However, the data also revealed a number of challenges with the schoolwide adoption pilot. These included time for collaboration and planning, students’ sense of self-efficacy, students’ and educators’ perceptions of the DP and CP, staff training, and budget constraints. Further piloting will be required to more closely examine and mitigate barriers to implementation.
