Note from the below extracted articles from IBO that disputes are resolved in Geneva in accordance with Swiss Law. In addition, just recently IB created an Ombudsman for member schools to apply for dispute resolution. Click here for complaint procedures.
Local Control of curriculum, of student records, test scores, work, and complaints is completely lost under the IB program rules.
From IBO Publication: Rules for Authorized Schools
Article 9: Withdrawal of authorization
9.1 A school?s authorization to teach the PYP may be withdrawn if:
(a) the IBO is not satisfied the school is implementing the programme according to the
Programme standards and practices
(b) the school has failed to observe the requirements for administering the programme as described herein and in the relevant IBO documentation (c) the school fails to take reasonable steps to protect the IBO?s intellectual property rights and to prevent any use that is contrary to the IBO Policy and Rules for Use of IBO Intellectual Property (d) fees remain unpaid to the IBO despite reminders having been sent (e) a school refuses to accept any standard amendment to these Rules for authorizedschools: Primary Years Programme, that is, any amendment that is decided by the IBO and is applicable to all schools.
9.2 In all cases the school will receive written notice that it has six months to remedy the situation, failing which the authorization will be withdrawn.
9.3 Any decision to withdraw authorization to teach the PYP is taken by the director general of the IBO. The director general?s decision is not subject to appeal and will take effect from the beginning of the school year following the decision.
Article 10: Termination by schools
A school may terminate its authorization to teach the PYP by giving six months? notice, to take effect from the beginning of the next school year. Fees remain payable to the IBO until the teaching has ended.
Article 11: Entry into force and duration
This version of the Rules for authorized schools: Primary Years Programme shall enter into force on 1 September 2006 for June session schools or 1 January 2007 for December session schools,and shall remain applicable to all authorized schools until amended.
Article 12: Governing law
Swiss law governs these Rules for authorized schools: Primary Years Programme and all other documents relating to authorization to teach the PYP.
Article 13: Arbitration of disputes
Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Rules for authorized schools: Primary Years Programme or any other document relating to the authorization to teach the PYP shall be finallysettled by one arbitrator in accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration of the Swiss Chambers of Commerce. The seat of the arbitration shall be Geneva, Switzerland. The proceedings shall be confidential and the language of the arbitration shall be English.