Why NYC Schools Are Choosing IB Over Gifted Programs: A New Approach to Inclusive Excellence
New York City schools are now reconsidering their strategy for gifted education and are moving towards the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is perceived as a more equitable method of gifted education. The IB program is based on the principle of encouraging students to become self-aware learners who learn how to learn on their own and gain knowledge by posing questions and conducting research themselves. Students’ thinking is stimulated to enable them to use their acquired skills in real-life situations, providing education that is more practical and valuable. With the introduction of the IB system, gifted education will become more accessible for all learners rather than being provided exclusively to students deemed to be gifted.