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The authorization process requires candidate schools to teach the program for at least one year, participate in professional learning opportunities, submit two very comprehensive applications for authorization, and host a site visit by IB officials.
“International Baccalaureate is regarded as one of the leading educational programs in our nation. Their record is clear as a way to improve outcomes for students," Greenwich Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said in a statement. "I am thrilled that another of our schools now has this distinction as an authorized International Baccalaureate World School. I congratulate the staff at Western for their hard work and dedication in getting to this point. I know that they, and the entire Western Middle School community will continue to work together to generate successful outcomes for our students in profound and deep ways.”
Western Middle school received commendation from the International Baccalaureate Organization for "celebrating students for meritorious behavior," "providing very extensive supports to help all students be successful" and for its well-staffed and resourced library and media center.
“I couldn't be more proud of the staff, students and the entire Western community for this recognition," Western Middle School Principal Gordon Beinstein added in the statement. "This authorization represents 4 years of hard work by dedicated staff members under the leadership of Mr. Richard Crawford."
Crawford served as the school's International Baccalaureate coordinator.
Beinstein also noted in the statement that "Teachers embraced the IB model, planned units under the auspices of the IB framework and created learning environments, which fostered a deeper understanding of the world in which they live."
According to the notification letter, as an IB World School, Western Middle School is “part of a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions resulting in a more harmonious and peaceful world.”
Click here to learn more about the International Baccalaureate Program.
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