Truth About IB

I was absolutely stunned when I read about TAIB in the New York Times this morning.

I too am a born and bred citizen of the United States of America.  I am extremely proud to be an American and am very humbled that I was fortunate enough to have been born in the U.S. to parents who are also citizens of the United States of America.  But that does NOT excuse me from learning about and trying to understand other cultures, other political systems, other economic systems.  It does NOT excuse me from

First Name: RJ
Last Name: Lane
Address Line 1: 4930 E. Texas Rd.
City: Allentown
State: Pa.
Zip Code: 18106
Country: Lehigh
E-mail Address: star2440@aol.com
Comments: Don't be ridiculous head in the sanders. The world is round and isolationism is a century out of date.
Given the state of our so-called high school public education, we are going down the drain in terms of
competitiveness and opportunity unless we are willing to open our eyes. Statue of Liberty is right, but don't misuse it!!!

First Name: Danja
Last Name:
Address Line 1:
City: New York
State:
Zip Code:
Country: USA
E-mail Address: danja_s05@hotmail.com
Comments: concerned citizens of the USA? PUH-LEASE!!!

you do not want your children to learn a way of thinking that would be more than the ignorant way of thinking
of MOST of america.
Thankfully there are many cities in the states that are not full of ignorance, tha tlike to learn about the world
around them, that WANT to leave the bubble of ignorance that is created for them by "concerned" parents.
It is not "concerned" parents, it is ignorant and closedminded parents that continue to create the idiots of
tomorrow.

The IB is a great way to learn to think outside the box, to understand different view points, work hard and
learn about the world along with things about your own country.
It is so mindboggling to me that anyone would not want this for their children.
The IB really prepared me for what college life would be like, the work load, the effort and gave me good
working skills.

How you could not want this for other students is beyond me.


First Name: Wheat
Last Name: Williams
Address Line 1: 5345 Pinnacle Peak Lane
City: Norcross
State: GA
Zip Code: 30071
Country: United States
E-mail Address: wheat@wheatwilliams.com
Comments: Dear truthaboutib.com:

Like many people, I learned about your site by reading the recent article in the New York Times.

I've just spent about an hour going through your site and reading your articles, and I want to point
out by way of constructive criticism that there are some things you could do better.

Number one, you don't identify who is posting much of this information. "This web site is built and
maintained by concerned citizens of the United States of America" is not sufficient. If I read something
on the Web, in order that I consider it credible, I need to know the names and locations of the specific
people writing it. So please provide the actual names of the editor or editors, or webmasters. Tell us the
cities and states where you live. If you are serious about what you are saying, remaining anonymous
undermines your credibility.

Secondly, at the risk of my sounding too simplistic, most of your arguments boil down to one or two
things: You (anonymous editor) don't like the United Nations, don't want the United States of America
to participate in the United Nations, and don't want American schoolchildren exposed to the values or
principles of the United Nations. You think that the perspectives and values of people who approve of
the United Nations are bad for America's students and you want to prevent America's students from
learning about them in any objective or favorable light. You only want America's students to be taught
that everything about the United Nations is bad and anti-American by definition. What seems to be implicit
is that you are saying that any perspective about the world that originates from outside the United
States of America, or any ideas espoused by American citizens who look favorably on other nations or
cultures, is also bad.

All of this gives the strong impression that you’ve got a very black-and-white, knee-jerk-reaction
view of the world. America "good", rest-of-the-world "bad".

I think your position and the persuasiveness of your arguments would be more credible if you tried a
more realistic approach. Not many people identify with "all-or-nothing" arguments. There are SOME
positive elements to the International Baccalaureate program, and you should acknowledge this.

For instance, it’s good for everybody to study a foreign language. You learn English better and more
thoroughly when you study the structure of the grammar of another language, and you learn to understand
the influences that other languages (Latin, Greek, French, Germanic languages) have had on the development
of English.

In another example, foreign trade and exports are important to the American economy. Lots of Americans
make money through foreign trade, and it’s helpful to study other countries and how their cultures and
economies work in order that we can buy and sell things to them.

Now you can make the point that itÂ’s not necessary or desireable to adopt the International Baccalaureate
program wholesale in order to achieve these and other example goals; fine. But what I seem to be getting
from reading your site is that you (mostly anonymous you) don’t want to discuss any possible positive
benefits or good things about their program. And that weakens the credibility of your argument, because
most people can’t identify with you. Most people see some good elements in there even if you want to deny
them.

I don’t agree with your position overall because I don’t look at this as black-and-white, all-or-nothing,
us-Americans-good them-foreigners-bad. But I applaud you for the significant amount of work you’ve
put into furthering this important discussion with your web site, which is impressive due to the amount of
information you’ve put together.

Sincerely,

Wheat Williams
Norcross, Georgia


First Name: Sarah
Last Name: Sherman
Address Line 1: America
City: America
State: America
Zip Code: America
Country: Earth
E-mail Address: kitteh.pwn@gmail.com
Comments: I find it appalling that in your narrow, ignorant minds, "taking an international
approach to education" and "immersion in a foreign language" means "indoctrination." You simply
do not know the truth. There certainly may be schools out there who do not effectively communicate
IB's goals. But from my experience, being in IB has been nothing but beneficial. Unlike you and the
greater majority of America, we are AWARE of what happens in the outside world and we are able
to TOLERATE other cultures. Tolerate, not assimilate with. I love my country-- but I also love
other cultures. I speak three languages. What, exactly, about ANY of that, is negative?

Prior to IB, I was not in any accelerated program. In middle school, I excelled in mediocrity, and I
applied to IB fully believing I would not get in. I got in and attended the school. Yes, it's difficult to
 get used to at first. But when it clicked, when I understood what I was working towards, I picked
my head up off the desk and turned into a model student with a GPA above 4.0 and excellent SAT
and ACT scores.

I do not believe that AP is inferior in any way. Both IB and AP have their pros and cons. I agree that
 sometimes IB dwells on odd things, but with AP, they throw fact after fact at you and if you can't
memorize or keep up, you do poorly. In IB, they make damn sure you understand the topic and
know it backwards and forwards. A poster in a Chemistry classroom sums up my views on the
benefits-- "You don't really understand something until you can explain it to your grandmother."
I have taken an AP class (US History). I did just fine, but the history of our country has many, many
rich topics that I would have liked to discuss in depth. IB gives the opportunity to not only learn A
LOT, but approach the topic from different perspectives.

Before IB, I was a stone cold atheist. God simply did not exist to me. But then when TOK began, I
saw how other students who DID believe in God justify their faith (which is an accepted way of knowing),
and so I reconsidered: I now DO believe in a deity because IB has given me compelling evidence that
there are ways that you CAN assert the presence of a higher power.

We are not being indoctrinated. We are being EDUCATED. This is what scares you. Open your eyes.
The rest of the world is a big, big place. We are a young country and many, many of the UN countries
have been around much longer than we have. We have to at least accept guidance from our
elders to learn how to live a progressive, peaceful existence.

IB is not for everyone. We are elite, and we achieved that status through hard work. We know the value
of an honest day's labor.

-Sarah

P.S. The stories of having to stay up until 3 AM every night are largely untrue. Students that procrastinate
enough that that's necessary do not belong in IB. I get home from school around 4 and get my homework
done in time for a few hours of free time every night.

First Name: Britni
Last Name: C
Address Line 1:
City:
State: NJ
Zip Code:
Country: USA
E-mail Address:
Comments: For the Pro-IB page:

I graduated from a High School with an IB diploma 4 years ago. I was a dual IB/AP student, and
I can truly say that the IB program directly contributed to my success both in college and beyond
(much more than AP). I understand that as parents you are very concerned about your child's future
and of course you should be. My advice would be to keep an open mind and give the program a
chance. If your school can afford it (I realize this is a concern), I personally believe that with the IB
program your kids will be getting one of the best educations available in the US.

First Name: Claudia
Last Name: Gold
Address Line 1:
City: Cambridge
State: MA
Zip Code: 02139
Country: USA
E-mail Address: claud334@gmail.com
Comments: This website is absurd and offensive. I didn't have any real attachment to or knowledge
of IB before, but your website has convinced me that the people who oppose it are patriotic and xenophobic
morons. Great work, racist fools.

Claudia Gold, MIT graduate, class of 2007

First Name: Sean
Last Name: Alexander
Address Line 1: 2107 Gorman Ave
City: Waco
State: TX
Zip Code: 76707
Country: USA
E-mail Address: seanalex78@hotmail.com
Comments: Are you guys out of your fucking minds?? I'm not an IB student, and never was. But
you guys are a scary bunch of goddam narrow-minded retards and sure as hell hope you fail miserably
on your crusade to keep America and American students from accepting and embracing the fact that
there's a whole lot of world out there - and it's just a great of a place as this great country of ours...
the trick is to accept it. YOU SHOULD TRY IT.

First Name: Adam
Last Name: Smith
Address Line 1:
City:
State:
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E-mail Address: adamensmith@hotmail.com
Comments: So, the quoted "thoughts from a TOX examiner" are an example of how IB tests
agreement with political ideas, as opposed to the ability to make good arguments? It seems
to me that the quoted text actually shows the exact opposite. The examiner was concerned
that IB teachers are less concerned with the student's ability to make clear arguments,
and more concerned with things like "style." Maybe you could find a better example of your point?


First Name: james
Last Name: mikkelson
Address Line 1: xxx xxx xxxx
City: Shanghai
State: shanghai
Zip Code: 201107
Country: china
E-mail Address: demetrios42@hotmail.com
Comments: I have been involved with the IB for well over 10 years, have taught in Italy, Spain,
and now China, have been an IB coordinator, university professor, and IB examiner. I also teach
AP English concurrently. I have two earned MA's and two earned doctorates. I only say that to let
you know what my bona fides are. Your site is needlessly alarmist. I showed most of my student
the site (99.9? of our students go on to some of the finest universities in the world). I am sure some
teachers indoctrinate in AP as much as they might in IB, but if the IBO has an agenda to "globalize"
the world, it surely is failing. I have issues with the A1 English, as well as with the TOK, but those are
the same issues I have with most college prof's promulgating post-modernism in the U. Do you aim
to dismantle that? The IB history is hands down better than AP, while I prefer the AP Lit to the
IB A1 English. IB science is excellent and probably better than AP Bio/phys/chem. The exam is not t!
reated as you suggest, possibly handled by a disgruntled foreigner and marked. That examiner is
also moderated by another layer of examiners who determine that her or his marks are consistent.
If not, they will alter those marks. It is a very well thought out affair. Reliability and validity may be
issues with the TOK essay, but it only amounts to 1.5 points out of the 45 point total.
More homework. What bothers me most is how simple minded most of the criticism appears to me here.


First Name: Tim
Last Name: Nelson
Address Line 1:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
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E-mail Address: timnelson23@comcast.net
Comments: You are a bunch of bigoted nativists who buy into the phony belief in American
exceptionalism. Please go fuck yourselves.

First Name: Kristine
Last Name: Wagner
Address Line 1:
City:
State:
Zip Code: 23322
Country: United States
E-mail Address: kwagner08@cox.net
Comments: Hello--I am an IB graduate and I received my diploma in 2008 from Oscar Smith
High in Chesapeake, Virginia. I graduated third in my high school class with honors. As a graduate
of the program, I would like to assuage some fears about IB.

I was bused to a different high school, but it was not remote, and no one was isolated from their
old friends because we all returned home at the end of the day. In addition, we all made new friends
within the school that were not in IB.

IB students do identify as a group, but in the same way that a sports team feels comradeship through
 shared work. We do not come to think the same way, and the word 'groupthink' does not apply
. There were liberal and conservative students, and in no way did we agree on ideals. Many teams and
clubs have blogs to ask advice and share experiences. We feel a sense of kinship, but no more than
any group of casual high school friends do.

I was in no way 'kept away from competing ideas.' We were routinely encouraged to consider all
arguments for or against any given philosophy. We had teachers that were conservative and teachers
that were more liberal, but their personal opinions didn't enter into classroom discussion.

My program had a compassionate coordinator, but she did not have enough influence over the program
or the students to be considered a leader. No one was aware of any special skills or awareness that she
may have had.

The IBO does not purport to 'answer all of the questions in life;' becoming a global citizen is not what
this means. TOK is a standard epistemology class that investigates human thought and cognition.
We talk about the mental methods behind information processing, not a 'path' that leads to any
knowledge in particular.

The curriculum was highly structured, but we all had time for other activities. I, myself, was on the
varsity soccer team for one year and participated in the chamber orchestra all four years. A critical
component of the IB diploma is called CAS (creativity, action, service) where students must show
that they have participated in volunteer work, sports, and creative pursuits for a minimum of 150
hours over the last two years of high school. All of those activities are chosen by the student, so it
would be impossible for an IB student to give up all other activities.

None of the acronyms we use are secret; they all stand for well-known components of IB. The
words 'rigorous,' etc. are not hypnotic. I feel that those words are accurate descriptors of IB work,
and are also applicable to other programs like AP. Many IB students took AP exams as well as IB exams.

I have never felt victimized from being an IB student.

I found the IB program to be a good support system for high school, full of helpful students and
knowledgeable teachers. Many of my best friends to this day were my fellow IB classmates.

I currently attend the Johns Hopkins University with an academic scholarship. I am confident that
 my success in the IB program was a significant factor in my acceptance and relative success at Hopkins.

The creators of this web site should be happy to know that my IB program was not dogmatic,
nor did it have a liberal bias. My teachers stuck to the academics of the program. We had as
much freedom for our own thoughts as any high school student in America had. I don't know
of any IB program that influenced the personal opinions of its students. We were all normal
high school students, and are all happy, taxpaying US citizens.


First Name:
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Comments: Hm...this site appears to be another example of McCarthy-inspired and
anti-intellectual product of Palin's "real America". The IB program isn't forced onto students
it's merely one among many educational routes available to students. To suppose that IB
seeks to subjugate the American student and indoctrinate him/her into some Marxist cult is
simply ignorant fear-mongering. The IB program competes on an open educational market;
it seems to me that your "end the IB program" platform seeks to eliminate free choice in the
market-- a principle I presume you stand for. To do this under the banner of "patriotism" is
just disingenuous and sad.


First Name:
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Comments: I am hping you are only one crazy person. Your website is ridiculous and this
statement from your "Overview" is absurd. First, let's establish the fact that TAIB is not a
newspaper which supposedly requires non-opinionated reporting of news. Although we happen
to believe journalism died in 2008, we do know the difference between a website championing
a "cause" and the straight reporting of news. Therefore, any allegations of "bias" which are also
frequently lobbed our way are also unfounded as we are not beholden to maintaining a neutral
position. We find next to nothing favorable about the programme and make no bones about it.
That's not bias, that's honesty." If you can't figure out why it is absurd you are pathetic.
Your site would make a wonderful illustration of poor logic and twisted thinking.


First Name: Also an American citizen
Last Name:
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Comments: The depth of your ignorance is impressive.


First Name: Cole
Last Name: Harry
Address Line 1: 359 Cannon Green Unit E
City: Goleta
State: CA
Zip Code: 93117
Country: USA
E-mail Address: coleharry@umail.ucsb.edu
Comments: As a former student of IB, I am disgusted by this website. By propagating this,
you are endangering the future of the United States to be competitive in an increasingly
global world. IB prepares students to compete on a level beyond our own borders. Like it or
not, the face of the world is changing and the U.S. is no longer dominant. It's a fact, not a
far-fetched liberal idea. This website makes me sick.


First Name: Grant
Last Name: Murphy
Address Line 1: 660 W. 28th Stree
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Zip Code: 60565
Country: United States of America
E-mail Address: gmurf413@gmail.com
Comments: Dear TAIB,

May I first start by saying that I am a registered republican in the state of California who is
very conservatively minded. I currently attend the University of Southern California and
am currently enrolled in the ROTC program there, not for any financial reasons, but because
I want to serve my country.
I moved to Germany my freshman year of high school and come junior year, I was enrolled
in the IB program. I graduated in 2009 and I will tell you, that those two years made me
who I am today. I learned so much about what it takes to be a good person. I find it offensive
that you claim the IB is a part of the "liberal agenda". I learned to be a better American while
taking the IB. I learned how to structure arguments, develop new CONSERVATIVE ideas, and
defend myself against a European liberal onslaught. Your website and the arguments are
completely unfounded and are based on fear and stupidity. The IB teaches students how
to develop their minds, not just memorize facts. I find myself far ahead of my AP peers at USC.
Not facts-wise, but in the ability to develop arguments. It teaches you to combat someone's
argument by thinking like them. Knowing what your enemy is going to do is more than half the
battle. I think you are scared of the world, which does exist out side of our!
own beautiful boarders.
Also, if you are a true conservative, let the free market decide which program is best. If
people feel as though the IB is "corrupting America's youth", the people of America will agree and
it will not catch on.

Sincerely,
Grant Murphy


First Name: Margaret
Last Name:
Address Line 1:
City: Minneapolis
State: MN
Zip Code:
Country: USA
E-mail Address: Shamrock0170@aol.com
Comments: Fear is a powerful thing. It upsets me to see parents that are afraid of teaching
their children open-mindedness, and this website is the clearest example that I have ever
seen of this situation. I went through the IB program in high school and it was the best academic
experience I could have possibly asked for. I had the privilege of taking both IB and AP courses
and found my IB classes to encourage problem solving and critical thinking, whereas AP tended
toward memorization and unified thinking. The AP history test includes a large multiple choice
section; the IB test primarily contains essay questions that require students to form their own ideas
and opinions. My IB classes more than prepared me for my first year of college, while many AP students
struggled with the writing standards that higher education demanded. Thankfully, IB seems to be
growing despite your efforts. I'm disappointed that the creators of this website condemn an international
education; we all inhabit the same world and educating ourselves about issues and topics beyond
America can only improve the way countries coexist.

First Name: Wally
Last Name: Dunn
Address Line 1: 415 W. 44th Street
City: New York
State: NY
Zip Code: 10036
Country: United States
E-mail Address: wallydunn@mac.com
Comments: Shame on you. As you proceed with your head in the sand, it's your children who will suffer.
Shame on you.


First Name:
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Comments: You need to learn the truths of the International Baccalaureate Programme from
actual IB students, teachers, parents, administrators, and advocates before you come to a judgment
about something you clearly do not comprehend. You obviously are incapable of understanding
that you need both sides of the story in order to get the full picture. Picking and choosing statements,
testimonies and rants from IB websites and other sources do not make this website and your opinions
valid. You are unable to see that the idea behind IB is for students to learn how to work with all types
of people and understand why our nation, people, and our world, are the way they are. It also
re-enforces the behaviors necessary to do ones best in college and the work environment, such as
 the ability to dedicate oneself to something and to learn the value of achievement for hard work.
If you are going to be bigots, at least become well informed bigots before you post your inaccurate
and hypocritical views for the world to see. You believe in the constitution, and all of its preaching
but you do not abide by it. I personally was taught the constitution and all of its amendments
in my IBO HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS class, where I learned what really went down. So, why can you
not become an accepting and tolerant person to all beliefs and views, and stop trying to eradicate
the IB programme when it reinforcing things such as CAS(Community, Action, Service, not that secret
of an acronym, take your time to learn what they mean before you call them a “secret language”)
where students commit time to serving their community, taking a part in healthy activities for
action, and become creative thinkers. Thank you for reading this, and I hope you invest your time
in something more productive, such as cleaning this giant oil spill.


First Name: I wish
Last Name: You
Address Line 1: would learn
City: to become
State: a better
Zip Code: american
Country: because
E-mail Address: youare@biggot.net
Comments: Grow up. Do some real research. Become a true American.


First Name: Anna
Last Name: Thum
Address Line 1: 7924 Loretto Avenue
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Zip Code: 19111
Country: United States
E-mail Address: annathum@gmail.com
Comments: Before judging the IB program, participate in it yourself. As an IB student I can
tell you that many of the opinions masquerading as facts on this website are incorrect.

First Name: Mitchell
Last Name: McCann
Address Line 1:
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Zip Code:
Country: USA
E-mail Address:
Comments: This is in response to "The IB Hidden Curriculum"
If you had read/ listened more closely to the speech you would note that the 3 points
you infer as describing a "hidden curriculum" pertain not to the IB program alone, or were even
meant to describe the IB system. It was a brief synopsis of Mme Maurette's views of how schooling
should be handled, not just for IB but for all schools to promote an international awareness.
Also, all schools run by this example.
-Phrase 1. All schools have a roster, which all students follow.
-Phrase 2. Most schools promote or have extra curricular activities. My former school (not a strict IB
 school, though it did offer it) had over 120 such activities, and each activity helped to further
reinforce our learning while providing it with an application to life.
-Phrase 3. Any group of people has an informal set of rules. A group of friends will omost likely
not insult eachother with bad intent. Of course, they never stated that insults are a crime. They
know that its wrong to do so. Through this process of informal rules, people learn the social limits
that people have. AKA., their "values". The only exception that IB has to this rule is that it takes
particular care to promote international awareness and create a set of values for its students to
use when they mature to potentially use their values in any case given by Director General
George Walker, "you may go on holiday to a different country or buy property there; you might want
to do business there, or work successfully in a mixed-nationality team."

Your phrasing is meant to scare and harm a powerful tool for promoting the future welfare of our
country. In a recent study, average Americans (non-IB students) ranked on average 23rd out of the
top 30 countries in all major educational subjects, but number one in confidence. If we ever hope
to improve our numbers, we need to raise our thinking to that of the other countries, or at least, study
a course equivalent to our rivals/allies. The downfall of America will be on heads like yours if you
believe that this is for the good of the country.


First Name: Another Concerned
Last Name: Citizen
Address Line 1: 43 Main Street
City: Your Town
State: NY
Zip Code: 10039
Country:
E-mail Address:
Comments: Dear concerned citizens, Rather than assuming an antagonistic anonymity, you
should come out and state your own identities, financial supporters and agenda, so we know
who is attacking IB. Why don't you put links to pro-IB sites on your page and discuss t
he way primitive and simple-minded Texans influence the text book agenda in the U.S.Why be so spineless?


First Name: Noneof
Last Name: Yourbusiness
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Comments: Your site is a horrific pile of ignorant lies and slander. You should all be ashamed
for this retarded attack.


First Name:
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Comments: You are all idiots!!


First Name:
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Comments: poor morons:)

First Name: luminous
Last Name: pecker
Address Line 1: 421
City: asscrack
State: The Heartland
Zip Code: 90210
Country: Alabama
E-mail Address: snookums@jesuscamp.com
Comments: I need to borrow your retarded monkey to make me a website so i can surf the interwebs.

Thank you and god bless...


First Name: Alex
Last Name: Morris
Address Line 1:
City: Austin
State: TX
Zip Code:
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E-mail Address:
Comments: You dumbass, right-wing, conspiracy theorist housewives need to chill the
fuck out. Ken Jennings, the man with the longest win streak on your beloved Jeopardy, is an IB Graduate.

Keep spouting your drivel.

- Alex

2011 Bachelor of Architecture Candidate, University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture

2006 IB Diploma Graduate of Garland High School


First Name:
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Comments: Your web site is truly hilarious. Have fun in paranoia-land. Beware the black helicopters !


First Name: Aksh
Last Name: Bell
Address Line 1:
City: Bellevue
State: Washington
Zip Code: 98008
Country: United States of America
E-mail Address:
Comments: You make some good points, but IB isn't all that bad. I am an IB student,
my older brother was an AP student back when he was in high school. The differences are
not that extreme. When he went over my curriculum and such, he felt that IB was slightly
more difficult but overall it was about the same. In addition, IB is rarely a cult. I do agree,
some people tend to stick with their own IB groups. But it is up to the students to reach
out across these so-called barriers to make friends outside of IB. It's not like I only interact
with students who are part of the IB program.


First Name: anon
Last Name: anon
Address Line 1: anon
City: anon
State: anon
Zip Code: anon
Country: anon
E-mail Address: makoto2chan@yahoo.com
Comments: You kids are fighting such a weird battle. Why do you care about this? Obviously you're
free to believe, write, and publish whatever you like... but this website is stupid and you should get a life.
-IB grad 2004

First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Cumming
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Comments: Please stop. You are making Americans dumber. We are losing respect from the rest
of the world and falling behind on social issues at at time when we should be leading. You
are promoting an isolationist nationalist ideas that only harm our citizens. Stop it now.

First Name: Meghan
Last Name:
Address Line 1:
City: Louisville
State: Kentucky
Zip Code:
Country: USA
E-mail Address:
Comments: I came across your site after reading the article about IB in the New York Times. How sad
it is that you would deprive kids of such an amazing education. I took IB and AP classes 6 years ago
in high school and AP didn't even compare to what IB taught me. Get over your paranoid "everyone is
trying to crap on America" outlook on life!


First Name: Craig
Last Name: Jolly
Address Line 1:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Country:
E-mail Address: georgewins@hotmail.com
Comments: This website is a ridiculous sham. Why don't you go back to protesting that Obama was
actually born in Russia.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: I am truly amazed by the biased of your website. Clearly, your website criticizes the IB program without even
 critically(!) analyzing other programs.
Please re-think the way you edit your website so it could the more faithful to the IB ideology. ~Sarah from Brazil

Comments: You should do more research on IBO. Find a group of ppl who are for an against IB to present an UNBIASED
 critique. Afterall, truth is based on perception...and different experiences with the program will lend to different verions
of the truth of IB. (I learned that in my IB Theory of Knowledge class). Have a great day! ~KD

Comments: I disagree with a lot of you and your readers comments on the IB reading list. I understand some parents
don't want their children to read certain materials, but thought provoking content does not have to be seen as negative
because it may be hard to swallow. Some sexual content or cursing isn't the purpose of introducing a young mind to the
plight of native americans in our country. Reading about someone's call for socialism can educate someone on what
 someone else considers to be the ideal form of society rather than a anti-US propaganda.

I often wonder what the problem is with young people being introduced to these "bad" things? Is it because we truly
believe that it will taint their minds? Or are we afraid that they might understand there is more to life than what we tell
them to believe?
Just an opinion...not meant to be offensive. Good day. (reply was sent by TAIB)

Thanks for the reply. It is my understanding that the final curriculum and reading list is in fact determined by the
administering school and not the IBO. I agree with you that a student's education should be diverse. Especially if
they are from the US, a mix of international and US history and teachings would efficiently develop the student's
prespective. My problem is I've seen so many people discrediting the IBO for the most absurd reasons. I read a rant
 about how someone "would never let their child near an IB program," because one of their taglines was
promoting
"compassionate thinking." It just seems to me that any rhetoric that is not inline with the "stay the course" and "protect
 our borders" that we've been hearing the past so many years in Anti-American.

As an American living abroad for 3 of the last 4 years (part-time as an ESL teacher), I think it may be beneficial to give
 US kids a world perspective. We are living in a time where the great majority of the world disapproves of the way we
conduct our foreign affairs and I think the IBO has made it clear that they promote a world prespective. Now, if you don't
 feel there is a healthy mix of quality American literature I agree it should be implemented. Again though, I was under
the impression the final decision was made by school administrators. Thanks for your time, ~Michael from Chicago

First Name: Karl
Last Name: Marx
Address Line 1: Proletariat Road
City: Moscow
State: Moscow
Zip Code:
Country: Glorious Russia
E-mail Address:
Comments: Your website amused me.

Comments: As a current IB student, I firmly with violence in the the claim of intimidation against"committee members
to the point of emotional distress" without any factual evidence. Even if such evidence was found, the personal vendetta's
 of a few can never be proof for the failure of a globally renowned education system.
I take offense at your accusations of TOK and the IB's mission statement to become a global citizen. You paint them as

tyrannical, unquestioned philosophies of a cult; a link beyond exaggeration. Have you ever experienced a TOK class
yourself? I know that TOK encourages my freedom of speech; my freedom to approach learning from any angle, with any

background support. TOK brought me the ability to organize my thoughts and express MY ideology, forcing nothing upon
me. The class is entirely discussion based; free to roam into any area that the class feels personally connected. It is an

expression of the personal values, the cultural backgrounds, and the life perspectives of every class member who
participates; a novel, free,and effective method of learning that values the input of students above all. I have never known
this kind of free cooperative discovery in any US public school from 3rd grade to 8th grade. That's six years experience
before the IB curriculum. I va!
lue the freedom of thought in an IB curriculum and the focus on student discovery through discussion.
I protest your condemnation of the IB as "leftist" indoctrination. You scare your audience with phrases like: the "IB (is)
using their curriculum to indoctrinate our children" (5th paragraph of the home page). You menacingly throw an ignorant
view of the IB at parents, taking advantage of their paternal instinct to protect their children when you have NO solid
proof that the IB produces communist students. They teach communism on equal grounds with the system of capitalism,
 far from the biases of the US public school system, who graze over the darker periods of American History, like the
Spanish-American War and US imperialism in the Philippines. The IB curriculum shows the two systems for what they are:
opposite economic methods. There is no lean either way. I doubt your audience appreciates your manipulation of fear with
condemning words like "indoctrination." If you want a true perspective on the system, ask current students and alumni
instead of making false ass!
ociations with the evil of cults to support your view. I have yet to find any truth in this site. I recommend you change
your title, and rid your site of manipulative, fear brewing statements. I firmly ask you to remove the section, "Is IB
a Cult?" from your site, as it is imposing on the emotions of your audience, and perpetuating ignorance in our society.
If you want to criticize the IB, please come up with concrete, well supported, arguments that aren't ignorant associations.
If you need any suggestions from an IB student with 3 and a half years of personal experience in a free, helpful, and
encouraging education system, feel free to contact me. ~Anonymous

Comments: this is a biased site. IB is a great program. i should know, i take it, not my fault you guys can't handle it.
FYI, if IB is a cult then so is AP ~Anonymous

Comments: Seriously, why are you so jealous of the excellent results of the students from ACS(I) who studied hard and
deserved nothing less? Dont tell me you are not jealous, because this website is a proof of your extreme jealousy.. I am
sure you are all grown-ups.. so GET A FUCKING LIFE! ~Kaung from Singapore

Comments: As an IB student, this website provides information that is innacurate and just plain wrong. As to the creator
of this site, you are not in an IB school so you do not know what you speak. ~Kaitlyn from VA

Comments: Why do you tout Jay Mathews' anti-IB Mathematics article, and then criticize him as loving the IB in another
page on your site because of his Newsweek ranking articles? isn't that a bit hypocritical?

If you actually knew Mr Mathews, you would know he is one of the most skeptical people in DC about the IB and whether it

actually benefits students. Go ahead. Call him. Ask him to sit down for a chat. He is leary as to whether or not it works in

the school districts that are in nearby MD, VA and DC.

Don't believe me? Then you don't stand behind anything you say, most of which is hogwash anyway.

IB is one of the most rigorously thought out curriculums and assessed evaluations students can go through in the world.
AP doesn't come close to the level of scrutiny IB schools must go through the actual IB before they can offer the actual
curriculum.

Don't like the curriculum offered? Do you agree with your kids being taught about Hinduism, Marxism and the current
conflict in Iraq? The War of 1967? Reading various literary works by Eastern and Western authors? Taking art and music?

Not much different than IB then, except IB is a heck of a lot more challenging, incorporates community service, foreign
language, and encourages students and teachers to think outside of the box, to look at local history and events and
community, and make the international leap to connect the two. ~LM from Ronkonkoma, NY

Comments: As a candidate for the International Baccalaureate diploma, I question the motives of the so-called
"concerned citizens of the United States of America." This is not because of the content of the website, necessarily,
but because of the complete anonymity of the website's authors' identities. As an interested party, as well as someone
who prefers to be
informed in an unbiased manner, it would please me to be made aware as to the credentials of this website's
webmasters. -JC

Comments: "I'm, uh, just wondering-wherever would you get the idea that IB has a liberal bias? We read right-leaning
material quite often in class; as much as we come across leftist stuff, in fact...
To be honest, if you want anybody to take y'all seriously, you've got to quit with the inflammatory tactics. This sounds
like a website that Bill O'Reilly could've coauthored, and that's... that's not really a compliment." ~Ayn
 
Editor's note: TAIB is quite flattered to be compared to Bill O'Reilly.

First Name: whyis
Last Name: thisrequired
Address Line 1: lolat
City: redneck town
State: americalol
Zip Code: 66666
Country: canadia
E-mail Address: whyis@thisrequired.com
Comments: amazing how stupid americans consider IB a 'cult'... and concerned citizens of the USA? considering a large
portions of IB students are overseas students who have a bias against idiot americans like you who'd sue over a shrunken
 t-shirt, i'm glad you've helped us by identifying yourselves as idiots first.


Comments: The points of complaint aired on this site quite simply make me laugh. I take the IB, so am in a position to
know more about it than anybody reading from a distance. Being honest, if I could do this all again, I'd take A Levels
because the IB is badly managed at my school. However, if I am to maintain this honesty, I have to tell you that the
problems listed on this site are bogus.

Do colleges favour the IB? Well, as a college, would you admit to discriminating like that?! No, of course you wouldn't.
Smart people take all kinds of educational programme. What colleges discriminate by are grades and interview
performance. The IB allows for greater distinction between grades (unlike A Level) and therefore candidates, and
also gives students many more opportunities than normal courses for acquiring the sorts of skills universities want.
Independent learning, independent research, independent views, ability to spot bias, ability to speak a language and
have a broad background... it goes on. Not all IB students are going to be better, so it'd be thick to say that colleges
always prefer it, but the sorts of tasks required by the IB just help you become better rounded, and people can see and experience this in an interview. Simple as.

Does the IB try to pollute our minds with leftist thought?
Only if it is only 'leftists' who are allowed to have thoughts!! This idea is such a joke. Ask a selection of IB students
what their views are, ask non-IB what their views are, shock horror, they're the same spread. Unless you think that the

educational system shouldn't expose anybody to any thoughts which are not bigoted, close minded and conservative,
you cannot possibly think this has a leg to stand on.
Even those exam papers which you have decided are 'unamerican' (since when did all americans have to think the
same thing?!) are a joke. How are we expected to critically evaluate, look at, understand, observe, study etc. other
societies and groups of thought if we censor anything which we don't agree with? The exams are TESTING SKILLS.
Skills of critical thought and analysis. They could have given a pro-Bin Laden text and it'd still be fine. You don't
have to agree with everything you read to be able to evaluate it. Surprisingly, this actually gives grounds for criticism
and bias discussion if we don't agree with something. Do you think that seeing a source of Nazi propaganda means
we're all "oh look, correct!". You must be joking.

IB controls timetables!!
Yes, it does. What, would you rather AP controlled the timetable? Does it actually matter? No, it doesn't. IB is actually
controlled by A Level timetable at my school and we have hideous lessons after school, sometimes with no lunch etc
etc. That somebody invented a timetable which can take both in at once and provide adequate teaching for both at
once is to be admired. IB is a timetabling nightmare because of all the options. If somebody can't remember something
 from one day to the next because they have the same timetable I have (and have had ever since I was 7), they have a

problem. How do they expect to remember it for exams if 24 hours represents a struggle? People just adapt to new
scenarios, and the IB is dun-dun-dun not responsible for school timetabling. Schools mess that up themselves.

IB uses biased sources for history!!
AAHHHHH! Oh no, is it because the cornerstone of history is to deduce bias, comment on it and try to construct a
realistic theory of events from sources even if they are biased?? The horror of ... erm... history.

Isolate them in new surroundings apart from old friends or reference-points.
Yes, we are all kept in cages and spun round with a blindfold on so we don't know where we are! No wait. Most of my
old friends did IB with me, and I see those that didn't approximately every break time, lunch time, after school and
pretty much every time they're not lessons. Or are we all meant to do the same AP subjects, sit in the same classrooms
 and god forbid we don't all go to university together and live in the same building!! What is wrong with you people?
Clearly we are not isolated, in new surroundings (they have been the same surroundings for years) or actually anything
new. Of course, new things are intrinsically bad in any case, however would we learn to live if something changed...

Provide them with instant acceptance from a seemingly loving group.
Yes. I instantly get on with everybody who also takes the IB, regardless of unpleasantness, personal hygiene or
anything else. And of course I form nothing but false relationships with people. The IB made me.
.. I like and dislike the same people, get on well with people in my classes, as I have done throughout my life, and
am pretty sure that my 'seemingly loving' group isn't an illusion which'll send me to counselling for trauma in later life.
I identify with other IB people. Do you identify with people who work with you? Is it because you do the same job, so have something in common? What are we meant to be, misanthropes?!

Keep them away from competing or critical ideas.
This is actually the complete opposite of what happens. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT WORDS MEAN ANY MORE.
(emphasis TAIB's)You try and define knowledge, find 48768 conflicting ideas on the issue and see if you can say
we don't look at conflicting ideas. We don't read about 2 random authors. Oh my gosh. Come to think of it.. what
recommended authors? Our school picks the authors. Neither of those people fit into 'world literature'. Do AP people
also have to read from a specific list of authors drawn up by you? We read about plenty of conflicting views and ideas,
and the whole point of the IB is that it's competition to get the best grades. Like every other graded system in the
whole world is. Try reading Sartre & Descartes and reconciling them together, THEN declare absence of conflicting ideas.

Provide an authority figure that everyone seems to acknowledge as having some special skill or awareness.
Our IB coordinator couldn't tell a chicken from a sheep if given an encylopedia, some binoculars and a novel titled "CHICKEN:SHEEP THE UNDYING DIFFERENCES". This is a very random point, if you ask me.

Provide a philosophy that seems logical and appears to answer all or the most important questions in life.
TOK doesn't answer any questions. It makes you ask questions about what you thought you used to know, realise
you're actually not so sure about the eventually have to take your own decision as to where you stand. The day TOK
answers any question about anything important, I will eat my hat. The whole course was a waste of time for anybody
capable of thinking critically before, in my opinion.


Structure all or most activities so that there is little time for privacy or independent action or thought, provide a sense of
"us" versus "them".
Most people have had to take up these activities to start doing CAS. People who stay up until 4 are insane, want to get
the best grades, and think that is how to achieve it. The IB is hard work BECAUSE you have to do all these things. For every person who gives up playing an instrument (and fails CAS), somebody takes one up for the same reason. Arguably any big

course means people have less time if they want to study. Why is the IB special (especially when it actually encourages activities)?


Promise instant or imminent solutions to deep or long-term problems.
Where? Last time I checked, doing AP exams also got you into colleges... and A Levels...

Employ covert or disguised hypnotic techniques.
Heeheehee. Absolute LOL. There are no more words for this than that. You try saying International Baccalaureate
instead of IB, extended essay instead of EE, higher level instead of HL... and discover why the human race invented
acronyms in the first place. As for your 'soundbites', I really wish I knew where you were coming from on that one.
Words in the english language often have meanings. Are some of them to be banned or something? You know,
because they have special hypnotising properties which leave you thinking 'IBIBIB'? Actually, you should remove them
 from the site. Also the word 'pneumonia' should not be used as it encourages leftist (aka evil, heretical) thought.

"According to the IBO website, "IB puts everything in perspective". But WHOSE perspective? That is the question.
Delivered from the perspective of secular humanists, is it fair to ask minors to put aside religious and family values
and rely solely upon the opinions of philosophical atheists such as Neitsche and Kant to determine what correct
knowledge is?"
Firstly, Nietzsche (spelt like that) and Kant are Philosophers and do not appear in TOK. Secondly, it puts what you
think into YOUR perspective. It makes you think about WHY we think everything, and tells you absolutely nothing
about what you should think. If, after realising that you only think God exists because your parents told you and
that actually, upon reflection, they also told you about the tooth fairy and look where that ended up... you can.
Most people just sleep through those lessons.

As for the person who chose to do their essay on abortion, I can tell you that they will have got very bad marks.
Firstly because their essay may well have been sent to one of you guys ('redneck conservatives'), and secondly
because it makes a random unsubstantiated assertion. Many AP students have the same point of view, but it's not
the fault of the 'AP People'.

I don't like the IB but not liking something doesn't mean you can make up lies about it. I don't like Bananas but
I'm not the owner of truthaboutbananas.com in which I claim that millions of people die of potassium poisoning
from eating them and that the colour yellow, being the colour of cowardice, encourages anti-american thought...

Comments: "All you need to know about the Programme (but were afraid to ask"? You need a little more than to
read a biased, right-wing website that slanders the Programme before deciding whether or not IB is right for you.
If you don't agree with the IB Philosophy, DON'T TAKE IT! Has anyone responsible for this website actually completed
 the full diploma programme? It really doesn't sound like it. Yes, IB can be very consuming at times, but it teaches
students global and critical awareness, as well as academic curiosity and the ability to work hard. Just because you're
still living in the Red Terror days and fear that IB has a hidden agenda to finally realize Marx's goals of worldwide
communism doesn't give you the right to act like you understand the diploma programme. Stop trying to compare
it to AP or regular high school curriculum. They all serve different purposes.

Comments: Wow, what a shame that you are so closed-minded to attack such a fine program that strives to create
such values within students that include caring, reflective, and thinkers. Apparantly you would be happier if we continued
to educate our students using the same methodologies as we did 100 years ago. It's time to update our educational
system. I am not saying the IB program is for every student or school. But there is certainly nothing wrong with having
 a few focus schools that offer students this unique program.

Comments: As an IBer, i laughed at this website. The "concerned citizens of the United States of America" should educate themselves. You claim to investigate your claims, but you can't see past your huge bias. I think its very important for
our school (Millard north, you interviewed our cooridinator) to actually expose the students to something besides their
generally conservative views they get from their parents. I saw no flaws in the reading list? Please elaborate on why
you are terrified of these novels. What is wrong with the comrodery that IB students feel? They feel the same bond
that any sports team creates. I don't see you attacking that idea. Also the bullshit about staying up till 4 am doing
homework and giving up activities is a lie. I go to bed at 11 every night and am still in 7 clubs being president to a
majority.
IB is a wonderful opportunity to push the students to carry themselves to higher limits and higher education. I do want
to be aware of different view points. I don't want to be limited to this ridiculous one sided view, which your website is.
And all that blackmailing and violence for people against IB is wrong. I have not once heard that. IB and AP dwell happily
 in my school and although there are competitions between the two, there isn't horrible consequences.
And I do not feel at all that IB favors left wing textbooks etc. We have both. We encourage all the sides of an arguement.
I pity the fact that you people are terrified of anything questioning your core values. I am a better, more educated person.
 So what its international. Thank GOD! Now some people will actually learn where other countries are and information
about them. Instead of the bullshit that America is the best country and everyone should learn english! woo. No.
Thats disgusting.
I hope you actually open your mind and allow other sides of information filter into you. Because we aren't brain washed.
And so what that Mr. Daughterigde knows the fact from IBO. Its his job.

Comments: This site uses such a fear factor and such extremes to try and demonize IB that it looses sight of any
sensible arguments against this program. I strongly believe that if you don't like it...then don't do it. So many things
 are wrong with your reasoning that I suggest you actually talk to an IB teacher or get in contact with IB headquarters
to get your facts straight. I understand this site and advocates of this site will probably disregard what I am saying as a brainwashing scheme to destroy the soul of America...but IB creates leaders for the United States instead by providing
 them with the skills needed to survive in this world. ~Amelia

Comments: "Don't be fooled. It should also be noted that an IB Certificate is nothing more than a receipt of the test
fee and report of the grade achieved by a student. An IB Certificate is issued whether the student passes or fails the
exam. Therefore, there is no such animal as an "IB Certificate Candidate", since every student receives one as long
as they submit their test fee and write their name on the test. In introductions to the IB program, parents are falsely
led to believe that an IB Certificate is something prestigious that must be earned. This is simply not the case."

This is very misleading. You make the program sound dumb and like a waste of time. I am currently enrolled in the
program, and while I have considered dropping out, it definitely is a prestigious program. If you are going to mention
how the the certificate is "falsely led to believe that an IB Certificate is something prestigious that must be earned", at
least mention the IB Diploma which a student receives AFTER going through the prestigious program and working their
asses off for over 2 years. I don't know who you know who said that but they probably meant to be a Diploma candidate.

And you have your costs wrong. I paid well over $100 for each IB exam I took this year. ~Hannah

Comments: Please read up on Mikhail Gorbachev and realize that he was one of the people who sought to bring down Communism in the name of an open, free enterprise market (PERESTROIKA) and cultural openness towards the west (GLASNOST). Your label of "avowed Communist" simply does not fit.

Also, thinking in a non-America-centered point of view is not "unpatriotic", it's realistic. Afterall, you're probably a
Christian Fascist and doesn't God say that there is no God before him... thus, why are you praising something like
a "nation" that will cease to exist after the apocalypse??

People like you amaze me. You are a dying breed and hopefully you will not exist for much longer. ~"intelligent
educated person"

Comments: Hey guys, not everyone believes in the same values you do. You might want to save your energy for when
 they try taking away your side of the diversity in education. If your against IB, don't support it. I don't think you realize
how intolerant it is to try to make everyone conform to your values and beliefs in this way. ~anonymous

Comments: You are all fascist idiots! ~anonymous

Comments: To Whom It May Concern:
I am at a public high school with the IB program, and I would simply like to set aside some of the concerns that your
 organization has concerning the IB program. They are perfectly understandable as I had the same concerns when I
first entered the program, which is why I entered with a very wary mindset. I closely analyzed all that happened in the
classroom ready to leave at the first sign of danger. I now am a graduating senior of the IB program and am happy to
report that it has been one of the best things for me as a person to do. First let me set aside some concerns. I entered
the program as a conservative patriotic American who was proud of my country and all that it stood for. I am now leaving
 as a conservative, patriotic Republican who is even more convinced of the greatness of the United States and all that it
does for the world. IB actually brought me to this conclusion. To set aside another concern, IB is not run by the UN.
Through the IB program I hav!
e realized what a useless waste of money the United Nations actually is; it is far from controlling my mind or my schooling.
 My IB experience has been wonderful. I learned how to manage time, analyze things critically, come to my own conclusions,
and do my best in all that I try to do. I learned to stand up to my beliefs and to discuss issues with others. Contrary to
popular belief I went through the entire IB program without a single sip of caffeine or without staying up past eleven on
any given school night. I even took two electives (orchestra and another church class) every semester in addition to my IB classes. Overall my experience with IB was a life-changing one, but one that changed me for the better and made me into a better American. I am so glad that there are others out there so concerned for our future, and I hope that you will go to an
IB school for yourself. ~Melissa

Comments: I find this website disappointing. The support of assertions was weak or non-existant. The site navigation and
 layout is poor. The site seems unsure of its points. I will be joining the full blown IB programme shortly, and I found quite
a lack of information on your site. You refer to things by their full titles rather than the acronyms that students and parents
will hear at meetings, possibly leading to confusion and mis-communication. I found no section on the basics of IB,
explaining the classes, requirements, etc. I hope that you will be able to clear up these points in the future for a better
public image, because your site comes across as uneducated, inflamitory and reactionary.

I am very sorry for the poor spelling and sentance construction in this comment, along with my own unsupported assertions
 and flawed argument. I am being something of a hypocrit, and for that I apologize. ~Sophia, FL

Comments: I can acurately debate every single sentence transcribed in this ill organized jumbled hate rant.
~Janice Jackson

Comments: to say that america is the best in the world shows how much of a right winger you are(i read ur comment on http://www.thethinkingstick.com/ib-program-under-fire-in-the-us. unless youve been to and lived in every single country
in the world THEN can you say america is the best, and NO im not an ib student i just felt i had to address that comment.
 and of course, thats your OPINION. to insult the other poster because she doesnt agree with your OPINION shows your character.and what does kids talking high school classes have to do about america turning socialist? if anything, its
people LIKE YOU who are brainwashed by media propaganda. expand ur horizons. ~Judith

Comments: Please post this in Your IB Pro section:

I am a IB student, that has lived in america, Thailand and Ireland. I have studied all country courses and understand
how they operate. American AP Is a good course and Is is more advanced in some aspects, however we are talking
About an ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSE. Standard american education lacks substance. I can say this without bias
because I have studied and done my GCSE (general certificate of secondary education) Which is british, and it is far
superior to any american standard course, and that is the british standard. Having lived in america I know what
wonderful people live there, however I know how closed minded you can be. IB is a Global course. It costs money
to run the whole operation smoothly. AP is mostly america. MOst of my friends have taken sats, but never sta american
AP subjects. Ib is a fantastic course. Everyone is entitled to opinions, but creating a site purely to undermine the
intention of the IB philosophy is just plain retarded. "this website is bu!
ilt and maintained by concerned citizens of the united stats of america" More like
"build by a bunch of parents (mostly comprised of mothers)who are house wifes and have so much time they have
to bitch, moan and upset every one that does IB. IB IS a powerful course. I feel bad for your kids being subjected
to your low tolerance to an internation course, and possibly the views on the world that surrounds them. Shame on you.
This is a hate site. If this was a person you would be seriously racist. EVERYONE HAS OPINIONS,but the world is against
you on this one ( just like your war to obtain find secret non existent weapons of non mass destruction. Probably an
underground storage of dildos . ~Shaun

Comments: As an edcuator with 19 years experience in traditional public schools in New York and New Jersey, I have
spent the past year teaching at an IB school in California. The difference IS obvious. In a traditional public school,
students are taught to the test, and critical thinking skills are not valued. In an IB school, critical thinking skills are
highly valued. Furthermore, our students spent a LOT of time doing oral presentations, which will set them up with a
valuable skill to use in the work force.
I'm not sure what qualifies you or your organization to comment on both systems, so perhaps you should listen to
someone who is an award-winning teacher and has taught in both systems. IB is more rigorous, and a much better
plan for our educational system. ~Chris T., San Diego

Comments: this is ridiculous. IB has taught me a lot the i would not get from the victorian equivilant. one thing it
has taught me is the us of propogation techniques which is one element of social psychology. you're site focuses
on the few negative aspects of IB. You're examples of IB papers fail to show any positive examples let alone the
other subjects available in IB. Also, any poorly selected material such as reading material is not the fault of IB but
of the schools choices. As you're site said, there is no prescribed reading lists.

I can assure you, as an Ib student who commenced the diploma program last year (2008), IB is not a cult and the
notion is absurd. Perhaps it'd just America that is obscene. ~from Australia

Comments: is this site a joke?? this is actually the biggest load of shit ever. otherwise the 'concerned citizens' of the
 USA are just really fucked and need to get a life. ~anonymous

Comments: you guys are idiots i love the ib program
i feel that all my work has really prepared me for life there is a reeason for the work
it is perstigious
i learn so much more than i would from a normal american highschool ~anonymous

Comments:  I'm not saying the IB has a connection to the UN, but if they ever DID what is your problem with that?
if you're so right-winged and patriotic you'd realize that the US holds a large power within the UN and has the power
to veto whatever decision is made.
If you're so patriotic then trust your damn government especially when they hold this much power within the UN.
Oh, and god forbid ANYBODY would be international-minded because I mean that's opening up all views and allowing
us to make our own decisions. Sorry if we're not bombarded with a curriculum full of right-winged conservative redneck
bullshit. We are exposed to all different types of views and what your site is suggesting is that we support right-wing
without even offering any form of alternate education program?
How is it fair for one to be educated on one point of view all their lives?
Maybe you should take into consideration that the reason you think we're all left-ist DEVILS is because we're in a
curriculum that allows us to explore all types of perspectives and we've chosen what we think we personally believe in.
Also, if you haven't been living under a rock, most the world is left-ist and so is most your country (What with the
PRESIDENT being left-ist) which BY THE WAY you guys vote for. my ass is more "patriotic". also" But until then,
all IB schools can only use the same method as the poorest school in the poorest country in the world."
Well, that's enlightening. Isn't it good to know that American taxpayers have to keep shelling out ridiculous amounts
for shipping costs while we wait for Zimbabwe to catch up with us? Is that the kind of 21st century education IBO REALLY
sells? The more we hear, the worse it gets. "
THAT IS SO UNSENSITIVE.
nice, go attack zimbabwe, for no aparant reason...you just pick that RANDOM african country.
shows how you right-ist conservative fucks are still racist. (by the way i'm white)
picking on a RANDOM country?
applying all the connotations of them not being as fortunate as the "western world"?
also, you haven't heard that THE REST OF THE WORLD HATE AMERICA BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU?
oh, and by the way because you are so patriarchal i'm sure your country would be proud of the way you're conducting
yourself on this website.
but who cares right? you're allowed to be a little hypocrite fuck because your entire country was based upon the concept
of freedom and slavery
OH THE HYPOCRISY.

Comments: I am a current IB and AP student. Please do not dismiss me just because I chose this course of study. I
have found that both have advantages, and both have shortcomings.

AP has numerous advantages over the IB program. The flexibility while retaining a high standard of education is an
incredible benefit to students that wish to set themselves up for a successful life. AP testing is /the/ standard in America,
and nearly 100% of high school students know of its prestige.

AP has downfalls as well. Firstly, (as with all organizations that need to turn a profit), the "College Board" over-charges.
IB does it as well: testing should not cost as much as it does. Also, I have noticed AP classes "jam" too much because
of the fact they are one year courses. My AP Chemistry class is all about cramming for the test instead of mastering
knowledge useful for those that wish to pursue a career in science.

IB too, has its advantages. IB HL classes do cover more broad areas, more in depth than their AP counterparts. Obviously,
 this is due to the fact that they are two years long. That is a reason I prefer some IB courses to AP. Some IB courses, for
my educational path, outweigh AP. For example, IB Biology and Mathematics HL will better prepare me, and give me more perspective than AP can. I'm sorry, but two years of study is most certainly better than one(In this context). I am choosing
AP English and History courses due to their flexibility, and relevance to my life. IB English is not a bad class to take. IB Euro
 is not either. It merely is not what I am looking for in my life.

I can understand your frustration with the IB program. Your school board was absolutely wrong in their doings, however I
do not believe that IB is to blame. Do you realize that AP and IB are one in the same, the differences are extremely minor, relatively. AP is as good as IB, while the converse is as true. Patriotic citizens of America are people that can respectfully
discus opinions with others. Diplomacy in this world has become a lost art. People are too caught up in grouping when they
forget the basic principle of humanity: We all are humans. Of the kingdom Animalia; Class Mammalia; Genus Homo.

You have done an incredible job in gathering information. However, as a real student with no (you know what I mean here,
by the way) bias towards either AP or IB, I must disagree with the way you have presented it. Instead of dedicating a
majority of your site to reasons why IB is bad for America, you could talk about it as a supplement to AP and vice versa.
The two videos on your homepage are not factual in their content. I strongly consider removing them in order to maintain
a sense of professionalism.

Thank you for reading this. You must spend a lot of your time reading an awful lot of garbage from inarticulate people and
 it is probably rare to read something that doesn't try to outright bash you. I'd much enjoy it if you'd email me back so
we can discuss further. I'm interested in this website, not as propaganda against the IB program, but as a resource used
for people who truly want to accurately compare them.

Again, email me if you wish to discus further. Thank you for your time, and please remember I am not trying to
undermine
or attack you in anyway.

:) Have a nice day. ~ Name withheld by request, MN