Imagine International Academy of Mableton provides outstanding instruction through delivery of a standards-based curriculum using an internationally recognized curriculum framework.

IIAM will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, gender preference, race, religion or sex in the administrationof its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.

The blending of the IBO curriculum delivery framework with the Chancellor-Beacon Curriculum (CBC) sets Imagine IAM apart from other public schools. This program actively engages students in their own learning and asks them to work with their teacher to set goals, plan and carry out learning activities, and assess what they have and have not learned. The IBO summarizes it this way:

"Students bring to the learning situation their own prior knowledge and engage with the curriculum through the activities designed by the teacher. In the context of the total learning environment, the students make sense of their experiences and construct meaning. Our responsibility is to identify the students' prior knowledge, provide appropriate experiences, assess their new learning and begin the cycle anew." [ IBPYP Making the PYP Happen, 2000 ]

Imagine IAM will seek approval from the IBO for approval of the Primary Years Program (IBPYP) and Middle Years Program (IBMYP).

The details of our curriculum and instructional approach are outlined in the Imagine IAM Charter, Section E.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Program

The philosophy of all IBO programs, with regard to the student/learning environment, is expressed in a series of desired attributes and traits/outcomes that reflect the international perspective. The "student as learner" is at the center of the IBO framework. Therefore, "outcomes" for this program are that the students should be/become:

Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Well-Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

Imagine's Chancellor Beacon Standards-Based Curriculum (CBC)

The Imagine International Academy of Mableton utilizes Imagine's Chancellor Beacon Standards-Based Curriculum which is characterized by challenging academic standards that seek high achievement for all students. Students expand prior knowledge through a spiraled curriculum, focusing on inquiry and project based applications of key concepts and universal ideas.

Instructional practices vary, ensuring that teachers meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles. Integrated units engage students in creative activities and encourage them to make mental connections between disciplines. The four academic subjects of reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are divided into strands that organize them into essential information and skills needed by all students. Permeating the strands of each subject are unifying concepts that provide links between the content that is introduced and taught in each strand, enriching the delivery of the standards-based curriculum.

The curriculum provides students and teachers with world class learning opportunities, with a focus on the following:

• Learner centered results
• Authentic and challenging materials and activities
• Critical thinking and creative problem solving
• Technology as a learning tool
• A hands-on, minds-on approach to learning
• Personal and global perspectives
• Reflection and exchange of ideas
• Interdisciplinary thematic units

For more information, go to http://www.ibo.org