PROGRAM OF STUDIES Caryn W. Stedman, Principal

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1 THE CONNECTICUT IB ACADEMY EAST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT THE CONNECTICUT IB ACADEMY AN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES Caryn W. Stedman, Principal The Michael H. Abelon Building 857 Forbes Street East Hartford, CT Ph (860) Fax (860)

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3 Dear CIBA Students and Parents, The Connecticut IB Academy Caryn W. Stedman, Principal The Michael H. Abelon Building 857 Forbes Street East Hartford, CT Ph (860) Fax (860) We are pleased to offer CIBA s Program of Studies catalogue. The catalogue will assist you in understanding the courses offered at CIBA as well as the requirements for CIBA graduation and those necessary to complete the requirements to obtain the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students and their parents or guardians should review this carefully before they make an appointment with Mr. Spiller to plan their course of study. All of our courses are offered at the most rigorous levels appropriate for the students. This is to ensure that every student at CIBA is prepared to be successful on the International Baccalaureate exams and to fulfill the requirements in order to obtain the full IB Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world s leading universities. Students in grades 9 & 10 at CIBA engage in demanding work designed to prepare them for success in the Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12. The Connecticut IB Academy (CIBA), as an authorized IB World School, follows the IB model, a demanding, pre-university course of study involving six academic areas. Subjects within these groups are studied concurrently and include both the humanities and the sciences. Such course requirements enable students to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, a formula the International Baccalaureate Organization describes as a deliberate compromise between the early specialization of some national systems and the breadth found in others - and one which we believe ensures exposure to a wider variety of challenges. Sincerely, Caryn W. Stedman Principal IB Coordinator

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5 CIBA Program of Studies Table of Contents Contents CIBA Graduation Requirements... 6 The Diploma Programme. 7 CIBA Course Selection Matrix 8 Group 1 Studies in language and literature English.. 9 Group 2 - Language acquisition Chinese 10 Group 2 - Language acquisition Spanish 11 Group 3 Individuals and Societies 12 Group 4 Sciences 13 Group 5 Mathematics.. 14 Group 6 The Arts 15 Electives.. 16 Health and Physical Education. 17 The IB Core 18 Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).. 19 On-line courses.. 19 CIBA Program of Studies

6 CIBA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students must select a minimum of six credits each year. According to East Hartford Board of Education Policy a minimum of 22 credits is required for high school graduation, including the successful completion of: 4 credits in English 3 credits in Mathematics 3 credits in Social Studies, (required: 1.0 History of the Americas and 0.5 Civics) 2 credits in Science 2 credits in Health/Physical Education 1 credit in Arts Completion of CAS requirements (see CAS Policy) PROMOTION POLICY Promotion is based on the following minimum requirements: To Grade 10: To Grade 11: To Grade 12: 4.50 credits credits credits IB DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS IB Exams a series of six papers (examinations) that are given in the Diploma Program courses. These papers are each scored on a 1-7 scale, and the scores are combined holistically. 3 additional points are available based on performance in TOK and the Extended Essay, for a total of 45 possible points. o o Students must score a minimum of 24 points to earn an IB Diploma. A minimum of three of the papers must be for higher level (HL) courses, and 12 of the total points must be earned in these HL exams. Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge CAS requirements Adapted from information provided by the official website of the International Baccalaureate: CIBA Program of Studies

7 The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Model IB Diploma Programme students must choose one subject from each of five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. Student may choose either an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from groups 1 to 5. Group One: Studies in Language & Literature Group Two: Language Acquisition Group Three: Individuals and Societies Group Four: Sciences Group Five: Mathematics Group Six: The Arts Program Core: Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge Creativity Action Service (CAS) CIBA Program of Studies

8 CIBA COURSE SELECTION MATRIX Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature Group 2 Language Acquisition Group 3 Individuals and Socities Group 4 Sciences Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 The Arts Physical Education Electives Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 (IB Diploma) English 9 English 10 Spanish I Chinese I Civics/World History Spanish II Chinese II World History IB English (Literature) I (HL) IB Spanish III (SL) IB Chinese III (SL) IB History of the Americans (HL) Biology Chemistry IB Biology I (HL) Algebra I Algebra II Art History PE/Health Geometry Geometry Artistic Methods PE/Health Global Decision Making Pyschology/Economics IB Math Studies I (SL) IB Mathematics I (SL) IB Visual Arts A (SL) IB Chemistry (SL) IB Chinese/Spanish ab initio IB Online Courses Grade 12 (IB Diploma) IB English (Literature) II (HL) IB Spanish IV (SL) IB Spanish IC (SL) IB 20 th Century Topics (HL) IB Biology II (HL) IB Math Studies II (SL) IB Mathematics II(SL) IB Visual Arts B (SL) IB Chinese/ Spanish ab initio IB Online Courses Physics (EHHS) Other Band/Orchestra Band/Orchestra Band/Orchestra Band/Orchestra CIBA Program of Studies

9 GROUP 1 STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE ENGLISH English Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit Students study literature and language to develop analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills necessary to communicate clearly, imaginatively and effectively. Through thematic units and studying genres, students begin to identify connections between life and literature. They explore the writing process through frequent formal, informal and creative writing opportunities. Students learn to listen and speak effectively in different situations. English 9 emphasizes the communication skills and concepts that will help students prepare for courses within the IB curriculum in grades 11 and 12. English Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit Students continue to study literature and language thematically, with a specific focus on the novel and drama, identifying common threads and connections in various pieces of literature across cultures and time periods. They form insights into human nature and observe how themes in history repeat themselves. Students connect contemporary world events to the literature explored in class, while increasing their vocabulary with an emphasis on writing cogent, powerful prose. Frequent opportunities for developing argumentative, explanatory, and creative writing enhance student understanding of the material. Interaction in small and large groups increases student proficiency in oral skills and problem solving. Students master the ability to take a position and defend it with textual support, both orally and in writing. English 10 continues to prepare students for courses within the IB curriculum taken during grades 11 and 12. IB English I Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the first year of a two-year intensive college level study of English literature and language. Over these two years, students develop their analytical and creative powers of expression, both in oral and written communication. They frequently practice writing and speaking. Students study the novel through three works in translation as well as three dystopian texts originally written in English. For works in translation, students engage in Interactive Orals, write Reflective Statements, and create a series of Supervised Writings, one of which they develop into their Written Assignment, an external assessment for IB. For the dystopian novels, students develop and present their minute Individual Oral Presentation, an Internal Assessment required for IB. Together with IB English II, this course prepares students for the IB Higher Level examination. IB English II Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the second year of a two-year course wherein students continue a rigorous study of English language and literature. They demonstrate an increasing proficiency in creative and analytical thinking skills through their speech and writing. They develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary study and criticism, and engage in a detailed and critical examination of thematically grouped written works from world literature. Students are encouraged to develop a personal appreciation for and lifelong interest in literature and language. Students are required to take the English A1 (HL) examination in May. CIBA Program of Studies

10 GROUP 2 LANGUAGE ACQUISITION CHINESE Chinese I Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course is designed to prepare students for the IB Language B Chinese courses they will take in grades 11 and 12. It will serve as an introduction to Mandarin Chinese and to the cultures of the Chinese-speaking countries. The main focus of this course is on language acquisition and development with equal emphasis on the four basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Stress will be placed on the study of authentic Chinese language via a variety of readings, dialogues, recordings, videos, newspapers, and magazines. Chinese II Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the second year of the study of Mandarin Chinese in preparation for the IB Language B course in grades 11 and 12. The main focus of this course will continue to be on language acquisition and development with equal emphasis on the four basis language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Individual practice in speaking and listening through the use of the Language Lab will be a priority. The instructor will work to administer a variety of oral and written activities throughout the year that will help both students and teacher monitor progress. Chinese II develops students language skills and prepares them for success in the IB Language B Chinese program. IB Chinese III Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course is the first year of the IB Language B curriculum in Mandarin Chinese, emphasizing practice in more independent and accurate use of the language. With rare exception, the work of the class will be conducted in Chinese. Students will be presented with a larger variety of authentic reading texts and listening experiences, and will be asked to write longer texts and participate in more complex oral tasks. Students will have increased opportunities to learn about and participate in various Chinese arts, crafts, and leisure activities. They will also be presented with an in-depth look at Chinese history, medicine, and science. IB Chinese IV Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course is the final year of the IB Language B curriculum in Chinese. It builds on language skills learned in the previous three years of study, while preparing students for the IB Mandarin Chinese Language B examination. All the work of the class will be conducted in Chinese, and stress will be placed on authentic and challenging readings and language tasks. Students will be presented with a larger variety of authentic language experiences and will be asked to produce a greater variety of texts. Students will learn about the ancient Chinese philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism; the economic, social, and political changes within Chinese-speaking countries in the twentieth century; and the state of these countries and their peoples today. Students are required to take the Chinese B IB exam (SL) in May. CIBA Program of Studies

11 GROUP 2 LANGUAGE ACQUISITION SPANISH Spanish I Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit The main focus of this course is on language acquisition and development. The students apply and practice grammatical concepts with emphasis on vocabulary, comprehension, and communication; this reinforces the four basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Spanish culture and civilization is studied via readings, dialogues, recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. Spanish II Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit Students continue to enhance and improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension through the study of oral and written texts. The mastery of advanced grammatical concepts enables the students to read authentic stories, to carry out intermediate level conversation, and to carry out instructions given in Spanish. Provisions are made for individual practice in the four language skills in a cultural context through the use of class activities and the language laboratory. IB Spanish III Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the first of a two-year series of courses offered upon successful completion of the IB Prep Spanish program. This course includes all the grammar and vocabulary necessary to enable one to read popular short stories, magazines, newspapers, essays, and narratives in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on art and music from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Videotapes, movies, television broadcasts via Spanish access stations, as well as the Internet, are used to enhance studies in class. Students write compositions on special topics as well as present oral and written reports in Spanish. This class is conducted mostly in Spanish. IB Spanish IV Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the final year of the two-year sequence that prepares students for the IB Spanish B examination. The students read authentic narratives, essays, short stories, poems, novels, and plays in Spanish, and acquire insight into the cultures and civilizations of the Spanish speaking world. They are assigned extended research, free composition, oral and written reports, and conversation on special topics. Emphasis is placed on the proficiency of language skills and appropriate language use in realistic contexts. There is exclusive use of Spanish in the classroom. Authentic films, realia, tapes, computers, and access to the language laboratory allows for extensive exposure to and absorption of Spanish. This class is conducted mostly in Spanish. Students take the Spanish Language B (SL) examination in May. CIBA Program of Studies

12 GROUP 3 INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES Civics Grade 9 5 periods/week 0.50 credit In this course, students will be engaged in the study of constitutions, the rule of law and the operations of public institutions, the study of electoral processes, instruction in the values and attitudes of good citizenship, the development of the skills of governance and politics, issues of human rights and inter-group relations, and conflict resolution. Primary emphasis will be placed on the development of American constitutional democracy and current issues in U. S. government and society. This half-year course will meet during the first semester. World History Grade 9 5 periods 0.50 credit In the 2 nd half of freshman year, students will begin the AP World History program. In this the first semester of a three semester course in AP World History, students view history from the global context in which the U.S. now operates to gain historical perspective on a variety of civilizations outside our own boundaries. Students will consider the evolution of global processes and contact in interaction with different types of human societies. Students will gain an understanding of world history through selected factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. World History Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit World History 10 is the study of the modern world. The course begins with the study of the Scientific Revolution and ends with a consideration of important social and political trends of the early twentieth century. Students will build on an understanding of culture, institutional and technological changes that have taken place in the last 400 years and gain an understanding of the historical roots of current events. IB History of the Americas 0405 Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit Students study the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the nations of the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis on the United States. Historical sources, and the historian s methods and research skills are also taught. The historical narrative begins with the entrance of the United States upon the world stage in the early years of the twentieth century and concludes with a study of Civil Rights and social movements in the Americas in the second half of the twentieth century Students are expected to perceive past events and issues as they were experienced by people at the time, to acquire a comprehension both of diverse cultures and of a shared humanity, and to understand the significance of the past to their own lives. 20 th Century Topics in History Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit Students study selected 20 th century topics in world history in an international dimension. Topics include: causes, practices and effects of war; nationalist and independence movements; decolonization, challenges facing new states; the rise and rule of single party states; international organization; the Cold War; and the state and its relationship with religion and minorities. Students are required to take the IB History (HL) examination in May. CIBA Program of Studies

13 GROUP 4 SCIENCES Biology Grade 9 6 periods/week 1.20 credit In this course, students explore the natural world. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the course so that students develop the skills of scientific methodology. Laboratory skills, internet research skills, and problem-solving skills are developed in this course. Topics explored in depth include cell biology, genetics and gene function, evolution and the origin of life, human physiology, and ecological principles. In order to prepare students for other IB experimental science courses, IB assessment criteria are used to evaluate each student s level of achievement throughout the course. Chemistry Grade 10 6 periods/week 1.20 credit This course provides a general introduction to chemistry. Topics studied include atomic structure, ionic and molecular compounds, chemical equations and stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acids and bases, and equilibrium. Students learn to ask and answer scientific questions through weekly labs and an experimental research project. These activities help students learn to design and conduct experiments and to collect and analyze data. This course and IB chemistry in grade 11 prepare students to take the IB chemistry examination. IB Chemistry Grade 11 7 periods/week 1.40 credit This elective course is a general chemistry course with emphases on physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and energy sources. The student gains an informed appreciation of the material world and his/her relationship to it. Students also learn how chemistry underlies the issues of responsibly developing and utilizing sources of energy and maintaining a healthy environment. Internationalism is studied as students research the strategies that different countries employ to address energy- and pollution-related problems. The processes of acquiring and evaluating scientific knowledge are emphasized. Students will take the IB Chemistry examination (SL) at the end of grade 11. IB Biology Grades 11 and 12 6 periods/week 1.20 credit/year This course is designed to give students a secure knowledge of a limited body of facts and at the same time a broad understanding of the field of biology. There are four central themes: structure and function; universality versus diversity; equilibrium within systems; and evolution. Course topics include: cells; the chemistry of life; genetics; ecology; human health and physiology; nucleic acids and proteins; cell respiration and photosynthesis; human reproduction; the defense against infectious diseases; classification and diversity; nerve, muscle and movement; excretion; and plant science. At least twenty-five per cent of classroom time is devoted to performing laboratory work that covers a range of topics and skills, including a multidisciplinary group project. Assessments will include practicals, long term projects, and computer simulations, as well as general laboratory and field work. Students are required to take the IB Biology (HL) examination at the end of grade 12. CIBA Program of Studies

14 GROUP 5 MATHEMATICS Algebra I Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course is designed to deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships. Students engage in methods of analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. Students will extend their knowledge of the number system to include irrational numbers. Students will use technology and models to investigate and explore mathematical ideas and relationships to develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Topics will include Patterns, Linear Equations and Inequalities, Functions, Linear Functions, Systems of Linear Equations, Quadratic Functions and Equations, Scatterplots and trend lines, and an introduction to Exponential Equations. Algebra II Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course expands on the concepts learned in Algebra I. The emphasis is on functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic. Students graph and solve equations and inequalities. The course investigates modeling using algebra, collecting and analyzing data, elementary set theory, and discrete mathematics. In analytic geometry, students see concepts learned in geometry expressed algebraically. Geometry Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course provides students with a background in geometry. Students will solve real life problems using geometry, algebra, and the trigonometry of right triangles. The course investigates the definitions, postulates, and theorems of geometry. Deductive and inductive reasoning is taught and applied through proof writing, as well as practical applications of geometry IB Math Studies Grades 11 and 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit per year This is a two-year course. The class investigates numerous real life examples where math will be used to answer questions, make generalizations, and make predictions. Topics include statistics, functions, calculus, financial mathematics, symbolic logic, and others. The students will expand their appreciation for mathematics while completing the Internal Assessment. Students are required to take the IB Mathematical Studies exam (SL) in May of their senior year. IB Mathematics Grades 11 and 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit per year This is a two-year course that will prepare students for the IB Mathematics exam at the end of their senior year. Topics include but are not limited to trigonometry, calculus, probability, statistics, and vectors. Students are required to take the IB Mathematics exam (SL) in May of their senior year. CIBA Program of Studies

15 GROUP 6 THE ARTS Art History Grade 9 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This required course studies Western and non-western art from various cultures. Students develop cultural awareness and an understanding of nations traditions, values, and beliefs, both past and present. Students learn the purposes of art throughout history and how art serves as a means for self-expression. Participants in this class access cultural web sites including national and international museums. Students are also provided with opportunities to visit museums. In addition to written research and critiques, this course provides students an opportunity to complete hands-on projects using mixed media, artwork that represents world-wide and national social issues. Artistic Methods Grade 10 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course is a pre-requisite for IB Visual Arts, giving students an outlet to experience the many aspects of the visual arts and how they reflect life and culture. Students will have the opportunity to explore various media and techniques through studio work. The students will experience the fundamental core of art and design and will focus on these through their work as well as in discussion, peer critiques, and assessments. Some topics explored are: one- and two-point perspective, pen and ink, abstraction, the human figure, and three- dimensional art. IB Visual Arts A Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course requires that students focus primarily on self-improvement and self-discovery and expression through their artwork. It provides students with a deeper idea of what art and design can mean for working artists today as well as for themselves. Students will incorporate the mastered foundations into each lesson and project. Each lesson is open-ended. Students are required to complete a research notebook that will include sketches and research information pertaining to each individual art project. Students will be given the opportunity to explore various gallery shows and museums. Assessment will include a student portfolio as well as the research notebooks. IB Visual Arts B Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This course follows IB Visual Arts A. The focus is on the exploration of self in order to challenge and explore ideas through various media. Each project is open-ended and individualized in order to meet each student s creative needs. Students are required to concentrate on a specific personal goal and/or challenge in order to improve as artists throughout the year. Students will experience how to put up and strike a gallery show by setting up a student-based art show at the end of the year. This will include the design of the invitations and posters as well as opening night requirements. Assessment will include a professional student portfolio, research notebook, as well as the student-based art show. CIBA Program of Studies

16 ELECTIVES Economics of Global Decision Making Grade 10 5 periods/week 0.50 credit This semester course will provide students with an introduction to economic concepts. In addition to learning about economic basics like supply and demand and allocation of resources, the emphasis will be on macroeconomic concepts. Students will learn about the impact of choice and demand on decision-making as well as explore tools used to monitor economies such as GDP, investment and savings rates, wealth, growth and employment statistics. There will be a research project related to evaluating the economy of a nation and the role the economy plays in the status of that nation. Psychology of Global Decision Making Grade 10 5 periods/week 0.50 credit This semester course will provide students with an introduction to the study of psychology. Students will discover the science of psychology. The course will emphasize the understanding of psychological factors that can influence the choices made by individuals such as intelligence, motivation, personality, sensation and perception. There will be a research project related to the application of psychological concepts on cultural or political identity. Chinese/Spanish ab initio 06411/06111 Grade 11 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the first year of a two year course designed for students who have had no previous experience learning and no exposure to the study of Chinese or Spanish. The main focus is on communication, with much activity in class taking place in the target language. Language concepts will be presented, applied, and practiced in a learner-centered environment. Activities will be arranged in a careful progression, giving particular attention to what presents special difficulty for American students. Materials will also help students understand the richness and variety of culture and civilization. Chinese/Spanish ab initio 06411/06111 Grade 12 5 periods/week 1.00 credit This is the second year of the two year ab initio course. The focus continues to be on communication and most classroom activity will take place in the target language. The four basic language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension will be integrated into all learning activities and assessment tasks. Students will also have more opportunities to learn about the richness and variety of culture and civilization through class materials, field trips, and visiting lecturers. Students are required to take the IB ab inito exam (SL) CIBA Program of Studies

17 HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION Grade Four days/week 1.0 credit The 9 th grade course is a basic exploratory course in which students have opportunities to participate in different skill and sport activities. There is an emphasis on sportsmanship and the development of teamwork. The 9 th grade health education program concentrates on healthy lifestyle choices and the consequences of substance abuse. The course focuses on how to make responsible choices that will affect one s health. Also included are water safety, basic instruction in stroke development, and other aquatic activities. Grade Four days/week 1.0 credit This program develops individual sport skills and emphasizes skills in such activities as tennis, badminton, weight and fitness training. The health education program emphasizes the importance of responsible and educated decisions. All students at this grade level will receive instruction in a variety of topics including drug and alcohol abuse, AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, and other lifestyle choices. Students will receive Red Cross CPR and First Aid instruction. Certification is awarded to those who qualify and meet the standards set forth by the American Red Cross. CIBA Program of Studies

18 THE IB CORE College Research & Writing Grade 11 1 day a week.25 credit/year Students will develop their research skills, learn several formatting protocols, work on organizational principles in developing various modes of college writing, including the essay, the research paper, and the literature review. EXTENDED ESSAY One of the Core Requirements for the IB Diploma is the completion of the Extended Essay, a 4,000 word paper written by the Diploma Candidate. Students choose subject areas, topics, and advisors. The research and writing process begins in the junior year. Students take field trips to local colleges to introduce them to college research facilities and allow them access to those resources. Supervised writing of the Extended Essay is done during the Theory of Knowledge class, but students are expected to devote many hours to the production of a solid, college-quality paper. Writing begins in the fall of grade 11, and the final paper is handed in during the first semester of the students senior year. During the process of writing the Extended Essay, students are responsible for meeting with their advisor to discuss progress. Completion of the Extended Essay is the best method for students to demonstrate college readiness to prospective colleges, universities and scholarship committees. A timeline is provided, and if students follow this guide they will find that they are better able to complete the Essay in a timely fashion. THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE Theory of Knowledge Grades 11 and 12 Four days/week 1.00 credit/year The first semester of this two-year course is spent learning and practicing the research skills students need to write their Extended Essay. These include critical reading skills, Internet exploration, library reference systems, using local college libraries, finding and using primary source materials, proper use of citations, précis writing, and forming a thesis statement. The focus of the TOK course is studying what we know and how we know it. Students are led to make connections between their classroom and non-classroom knowledge and experience as they examine the ethics, value judgments, and belief systems of the various disciplines. Students develop a critical awareness of the fields of knowledge; study the procedures; processes and methodologies of each field; recognize the biases inherent in each discipline; understand and appreciate the importance of inquiry as a basis of knowledge; and apply standards of logical ways of thinking. Students will critically analyze the different knowledge systems mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and language--as contributors to the acquisition of knowledge. Students compare and examine value judgments, ethical constructs, and religions from different cultures to understand more fully how we know what we know. The final semester of senior year is devoted to general test-taking techniques and more specific tutoring for the IB examinations. Students have an opportunity to receive extra help in each area of the academic program as well as receiving information about each individual test. CIBA Program of Studies

19 CREATIVITY, ACTION, SERVICE (CAS) Creativity, Action, Service Grades 9-12 All students at the Connecticut IB Academy are required to complete CAS activities for graduation, divided equally among Creativity, Action, and in Service. Students will be able to choose from activities existing within CIBA, East Hartford High School and the community, or they may design their own. The Academy staff will work with parents and community resources to develop new opportunities for CAS experiences. Each student will be required to keep a CAS journal; this journal will contain a log of all of the student s activities. As a culminating requirement, each student will write a self-evaluation in which he/she reflects on all of the CAS activities in which he/she has participated. The report will review the CAS experience as it has influenced the individual s interests and personal philosophy IB ONLINE COURSES Through a cooperative effort with the IB and Pamoja Education, CIBA is able to offer a number of courses online for our students. This effort is intended to offer a wider range of electives to students who may be looking for courses we are not able to offer in school. Students who are interested in taking an online course must apply and be approved by Administration and Guidance. Students are assigned one class period per day to work on their online course; students who choose an online course must be organized, self-motivated and willing to devote the necessary time to this The Connecticut IB Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, learning disability, physical disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, mental retardation or past/present history of mental disorder in its admission policies, programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Mrs. Caryn W. Stedman, Principal, 857 Forbes Street, East Hartford CT Tel: CIBA Program of Studies Page 19