Katy ISD Takes First Steps in Creating Wolfe Program Design Committee

(November 5, 2009) – The first step in designing a program for the Wolfe school site took place Oct. 28 as Katy ISD held a community meeting that served as both an orientation about the International Baccalaureate program, as well as an invitation to community members to consider volunteering to serve on the Program Design Committee to be formed later this month.

The Program Design Committee, led by Assistant Superintendent for School & Community Engagement Marcy Canady, will be comprised of parents and community members representing all areas of the district and will be charged with bringing the project to fruition for the students and families of Katy ISD.

“My goal is to assemble a diverse group of people who are representative of all of Katy ISD and who will work as a team that is united in bringing the best possible program design forward for consideration of the Superintendent and Board of Trustees,” says Canady.

The committee will be formed by November 11 and the planning process will start on November 18 with the design committee’s first meeting. A recommended design plan is to come forward for consideration by the Board of Trustees in March, 2010. Should the recommendation be approved by the Board, the Program Design will proceed to the Facilities Planning Committee in May, 2010.  The Wolfe School has a targeted opening date in 2013.

The IB Program is centered on a balanced curriculum with emphasis in Humanities, Arts, Languages, Technology, Science, Mathematics, and Physical Education. The IB program is taught at all three levels with the IB Primary Years Program for ages 3-12, IB Middle Years Program for ages 11-16, and IB Diploma Years Program for ages 16-19. Students who participate in the IB program and successfully complete the program’s requirements can graduate with 24 college credit hours.

While the IB program is an acclaimed academic program that is implemented worldwide and is taught in state, private, national, and international schools, there is some controversy surrounding it with some going as far as saying it is run by the United Nations and that it teaches anti-American Values.

“We are acutely aware that, for some, there are questions about what international mindedness actually means within the IB program and how that aim is realized,” says Canady. Our research indicates that this aim is achieved by students developing an understanding and appreciation of their own cultures and personal histories, and openness to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Our visits to established IB schools in the surrounding area have yielded observations of youth who exhibit personal commitment to service, demonstrate understanding of how to approach complex problems, and have an overall respectful manner. As the committee designs the program over the next several months parents can be assured that Katy ISD will be in control of the academic program and that the curriculum will reflect the values of the Katy community.”

For more information, visit the Wolfe School Site Project page on www.katyisd.org.

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