LTC 045-2016 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 045-2 016 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members If the City Commission
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FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager 1
DATE: January 29, 2016
SUBJECT: International Baccalaureate Dipl. a Program
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to update the Mayor and Commissioner on the status
of the Miami Beach Senior High School (MBSH) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program.
Miami Beach Senior High School's IB Diploma program began in 2012. The IB Diploma Program is
an assessed program for students in 11th and 12th grades and is respected by leading universities
across the globe. Since inception, the number of students pursuing the IB Diploma has increased
175% with an average of 74.1% receiving the diploma and 80.8% passing the exams.
Students pursuing the IB Diploma have completed a rigorous two-year academic program and passed
examinations in six major academic subjects. They also completed a 4,000 word extended essay on
a topic of their choosing and performed creativity, action, service projects that reinforced the well-
rounded nature of an International Baccalaureate. Many of these students will receive up to one (1)
year of college credits for receiving the IB Diploma.
As a resident of the City of Miami Beach, all youth have access to the IB Diploma Program at Miami
Beach Senior High and do not participate in Miami Dade County Public Schools' random selection
process. The number of students enrolled in the IB/Scholar program in all grades for the 2015-16
school years is 752, approximately 31% of the student population at MBSH.
As a result of the City's Education Compact established in January 2008, the 2014 Community
Satisfaction Survey indicated that 75% of residents who have children in public schools are very
satisfied or satisfied with Miami Beach public schools compared to 54%of all residents in 2005. The
City of Miami Beach has made a significant impact throughout the entire county as the Compact
between the City and the School Board is a model of how a City can strengthen the relationship
between schools and community.
I ou have a y questions, or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
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C: Executive Staff
Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld, Chief Learning Development Officer