The IB Teacher Awards
The course of study recognition process explained
When a university approaches the IB to have a course of study recognized as part of the teacher award initiative the course must undergo the following four stage process to ensure that it meets the required IB quality assurance standards.
Click on each stage to find out more detailed information about the processes involved.A formal expression of interest is submitted by the university to the IB
The expression of interest includes a brief written proposal indicating the intended level of award, the course structure, and the targeted IB programme if applicable. (Courses leading to the Level 2 award are non-programme specific.) The IB reviews the proposal and advises the university if it should proceed. If the outcome is positive the IB will send the university an application pack for completion.
The university completes and submits a formal application along with stipulated supporting documentation and an application fee of £100 to cover administration costs
The IB reviews the application to see whether the course meets the generic conditions and academic requirements specified. If the conditions have not been met feedback is given and further work can then be undertaken by the university if it wants to proceed: The university can either revise and resubmit the relevant documentation within a three month period or, if it does not want to proceed, withdraw from the process. (Prior to completing the application the course of study must have undergone the university´s normal internal course validation process.)
The IB arranges a recognition visit with the university once the application has been accepted
A team of up to three members is appointed consisting of IB staff and external consultants as appropriate. The visit to the university is scheduled within two years of the application being received. The IB sends a draft visit agenda to the university. Further information may be requested by the IB in preparation for the visit.
If the university's course of study meets all the specified requirements for course recognition the IB formally recognises the course
Following formal recognition a legal frame agreement between the IB and the university is signed and the university submits payment of the requisite recognition and license fees.
Three years following formal recognition the IB undertakes an interim evaluation of the course. Recognition renewal is required six years after initial formal recognition
Universities interested in exploring the possibility of having a course of study recognized can contact the teacher education services department via email and a telephone conference will subsequently be arranged.
Useful links
Useful studies and information in relation to the IB can be accessed via the following links.
- http://www.ibo.org/programmes/research/resources/
This page provides links to inform educators of the research carried out in the field of international education.
- http://www.ibo.org/diploma/assessment/documents/d_x_dpyyy_ass_0409_1_e.pdf
The Diploma Programme assessment principles and practice document explains the workings of the IB's Diploma Programme assessment system and their underlying rationale.
- http://www.ibo.org/facts/
Facts and figures: IB World School statistics provides data on various IB school and programme statistics and is updated daily.
- http://www.ibo.org/programmes/research/database/
The International Education Research Database is a searchable database that contains a range of resources that focus on the IB programmes and international education in general.
- https://www.epiconline.org/pub/IBStandardsReport.zip
The International Baccalaureate Standards Development and Alignment Project
Final Report is an independant report that validates the degree to which IB courses develop content knowledge and academic skills necessary for college readiness, it also creates a reference point to gauge the alignment between the IB curriculum and individual state content standards.