Minnesota Association of IB World Schools (MNIB)
Online Fall semester MYP/DP/CP Roundtables are now available for registration
Online Fall semester MYP/DP/CP Roundtables are now available for registration
Register today! Space is limited and the first Roundtables begin the week of September 28th.
Register today! Space is limited and the first Roundtables begin the week of September 28th.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Fall semester MNIB roundtables and workshops will be offered exclusively online.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Fall semester MNIB roundtables and workshops will be offered exclusively online.
We will use a new format given the unusual circumstances. Each session will take place over 4 one-hour online meetings with additional optional collaborative work taking place between these meetings as determined by the participants.
Roundtables will include a facilitator responsible for following the agenda but the discussion will be collaborative and each participant will be able to share their best practices with the group. Subject updates, assessment, unit planning, and various teaching ideas will be included in the agenda.
The meetings will be about a month apart and will be held in the evening on the same night of the week, depending on the Programme.
Generally, we will use Google Meets as the online platform but once the cohort begins meeting they may agree to another format or platform to best meet the needs of the group.
For MNIB members, to earn the CEU's for the sessions, participants will need to be present for attendance taken at each session.
Follow the links above under "Event Registration" or go directly using: MYP events, DP events, or CP events.
Follow the links above under "Event Registration" or go directly using: MYP events, DP events, or CP events.
Note: For the first time, MNIB events will be open to non-MNIB members. We will hold up to 10 spots for those wanting to join from outside Minnesota. There will be a small upcharge ($100 vs $70 for members) and a credit card payment will be required. Space is limited and the first Roundtables begin the week of September 26th.
Note: For the first time, MNIB events will be open to non-MNIB members. We will hold up to 10 spots for those wanting to join from outside Minnesota. There will be a small upcharge ($100 vs $70 for members) and a credit card payment will be required. Space is limited and the first Roundtables begin the week of September 26th.
Check this out!
Check this out!
Our own Chris Baker-Ravio featured in this webinar Friday, September 18th.
Our own Chris Baker-Ravio featured in this webinar Friday, September 18th.
"Facing the challenges of a post-COVID world will require deliberate effort to cultivate the competencies that students need to respond to the ever-changing workplace. However, many career and technical education (CTE) programs fall short because they emphasize what to learn in the workplace, and not how to learn, when the skills of today may not be guaranteed in the jobs of tomorrow.
"Facing the challenges of a post-COVID world will require deliberate effort to cultivate the competencies that students need to respond to the ever-changing workplace. However, many career and technical education (CTE) programs fall short because they emphasize what to learn in the workplace, and not how to learn, when the skills of today may not be guaranteed in the jobs of tomorrow.
In this webinar, learn how passion-driven career education impacts traditional forms of schooling and the world of work."
In this webinar, learn how passion-driven career education impacts traditional forms of schooling and the world of work."
Watch this space for a recording of this great conversation that featured everyone below and a CP student from Champlin Park High School in Minnesota. It was a truly great session and more should watch it.
Watch this space for a recording of this great conversation that featured everyone below and a CP student from Champlin Park High School in Minnesota. It was a truly great session and more should watch it.
New resource: IB 101
New resource: IB 101
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to cancel our popular Summer Conference this year. Some of the most highly attended sessions were those introducing the IB Programmes to new teachers and other staff members just hired into IB schools.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were forced to cancel our popular Summer Conference this year. Some of the most highly attended sessions were those introducing the IB Programmes to new teachers and other staff members just hired into IB schools.
With that in mind we developed brief introductions in the form of self-guided tours of the basic elements of the IB and all four Programmes.
With that in mind we developed brief introductions in the form of self-guided tours of the basic elements of the IB and all four Programmes.
If you are a coordinator looking for a resource where your new teachers can learn the basics, send them to "Intro to the IB Programmes". They will be exposed to the common elements of all IB Programmes and then be directed to the specific Programme(s) in your school.
If you are a coordinator looking for a resource where your new teachers can learn the basics, send them to "Intro to the IB Programmes". They will be exposed to the common elements of all IB Programmes and then be directed to the specific Programme(s) in your school.
They are encouraged to complete a Reflection Journal along the way and to reach out to the coordinator for more resources.
They are encouraged to complete a Reflection Journal along the way and to reach out to the coordinator for more resources.
The MNIB Association Fall meeting was held virtually on September 15th on Zoom
The MNIB Association Fall meeting was held virtually on September 15th on Zoom
We shared important updates with members and discussed training workshops, roundtables, and other items relevant to this unusual year for all schools.
We shared important updates with members and discussed training workshops, roundtables, and other items relevant to this unusual year for all schools.
You can get a sneak peek at the general format for Fall semester roundtables and training by going to the "Event Registration" tab and clicking on one of the programme pages.
You can get a sneak peek at the general format for Fall semester roundtables and training by going to the "Event Registration" tab and clicking on one of the programme pages.
The minutes for the meeting are now posted here.
The minutes for the meeting are now posted here.
2020-21 MNIB membership renewal available now
2020-21 MNIB membership renewal available now
We promise to keep providing outstanding IB training and information for you and your staff. Renew your MNIB membership here
We promise to keep providing outstanding IB training and information for you and your staff. Renew your MNIB membership here
August 2020:
August 2020:
The IB Organization has released an update to plans for the upcoming 2020-21 DP/CP exam sessions. Read the details using the link below.
The IB Organization has released an update to plans for the upcoming 2020-21 DP/CP exam sessions. Read the details using the link below.
Open letter from Director General Siva Kumari
Open letter from Director General Siva Kumari
IB is making it easier to schedule online workshops that are specific to your school's needs
IB is making it easier to schedule online workshops that are specific to your school's needs
From the IBO.org website:
From the IBO.org website:
"Wherever you are in the world, you can participate in an online workshop for a high-quality learning experience and the same teaching concepts that you would explore in a face-to-face workshop. Participation in our cost-effective online workshops will also contribute to your school’s authorization or evaluation process to become an IB World School."
"Wherever you are in the world, you can participate in an online workshop for a high-quality learning experience and the same teaching concepts that you would explore in a face-to-face workshop. Participation in our cost-effective online workshops will also contribute to your school’s authorization or evaluation process to become an IB World School."
There are more than 400 online workshops to choose from and these are offered throughout the year. If you are not available when your choice of online workshop is scheduled, you can complete the request form linked on the website above. Schools have the option to request workshops to be delivered as part of a global cohort or exclusively to their own school. Online workshops delivered exclusively to one school have more real time interaction and therefore, resemble a virtual in-school experience. If you would like to know more about online professional development (PD) and how it works, please visit our page.
Please listen to this podcast featuring four outstanding MNIB voices of compassion and support as they share their feelings after the killing of George Floyd in our community here in Minnesota.
Please listen to this podcast featuring four outstanding MNIB voices of compassion and support as they share their feelings after the killing of George Floyd in our community here in Minnesota.
Anne Lalonde Laux, Chad Owen, Jenny Magdal, and Angela Wilcox speak of how they hope to help students and teachers make lasting changes in schools after the terrible events of the past weeks.
Anne Lalonde Laux, Chad Owen, Jenny Magdal, and Angela Wilcox speak of how they hope to help students and teachers make lasting changes in schools after the terrible events of the past weeks.
Our May meeting was held on the 27th via Zoom
Our May meeting was held on the 27th via Zoom
Thanks to the 54 coordinators who attended
Thanks to the 54 coordinators who attended
The minutes are now available online here:
The minutes are now available online here:
Main points of discussion
Main points of discussion
Discussion of virtual Summer Conference options
Updates related to COVID cancellations
Preferences for 2020-21 school year training and meetings
2020-21 membership open
The MNIB Summer Conference has been cancelled due to uncertainty related to the Corona virus outbreak. But, stay tuned as we find some alternative opportunities to gather online and share our experience and expertise as the new year begins.
The MNIB Summer Conference has been cancelled due to uncertainty related to the Corona virus outbreak. But, stay tuned as we find some alternative opportunities to gather online and share our experience and expertise as the new year begins.
Minnesota's private colleges wish to reassure students concerned about their affected transcripts and testing results in this time of COVID-related adjustments.
Minnesota's private colleges wish to reassure students concerned about their affected transcripts and testing results in this time of COVID-related adjustments.
Please read this newsletter the MN Private Colleges Council has distributed to counselors across the state and the region.
Please read this newsletter the MN Private Colleges Council has distributed to counselors across the state and the region.
They represent the 17 Private Colleges in Minnesota and their message is one of support for young people who are considering their college futures.
They represent the 17 Private Colleges in Minnesota and their message is one of support for young people who are considering their college futures.
Please view the latest response from IB regarding questions about exams, uploading student work and continued learning in the MYP & PYP.
Please view the latest response from IB regarding questions about exams, uploading student work and continued learning in the MYP & PYP.
The powerpoint is linked in the adjoining slide. Other information can be found on the FAQ page at IBO.org
The powerpoint is linked in the adjoining slide. Other information can be found on the FAQ page at IBO.org
Check out Ryan Higbea's blog about lesson planning in distance learning.
Check out Ryan Higbea's blog about lesson planning in distance learning.
The latest installment...
The latest installment...
We recorded several podcasts related to online learning in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
We recorded several podcasts related to online learning in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Please contact us at IBMatters@mnibschools.org if you have something about online teaching to contribute on the podcast.
Please contact us at IBMatters@mnibschools.org if you have something about online teaching to contribute on the podcast.
Click the icon to access these episodes.
Click the icon to access these episodes.
Toddle held another Toddle Talk April 11
Toddle held another Toddle Talk April 11
PYP teachers looking for online teaching support - Check out the Toddle Talk held March 28th.
PYP teachers looking for online teaching support - Check out the Toddle Talk held March 28th.
Link to recorded Webinar: You'll find the blog/graphics from the webinar and the recording of the whole session.
Link to recorded Webinar: You'll find the blog/graphics from the webinar and the recording of the whole session.
Another opportunity for PYP teachers looking for online teaching support - Check out the #PYPChat held April 1st.
Another opportunity for PYP teachers looking for online teaching support - Check out the #PYPChat held April 1st.
Go to #PYPChat on Twitter to see the conversation
Go to #PYPChat on Twitter to see the conversation
Highlights from the March 5th
Highlights from the March 5th
MNIB Association meeting
MNIB Association meeting
Highland Park Middle School Artist collaboration
Highland Park Middle School Artist collaboration
We had a great morning - highlighted by Highland Park MS staff and students showing off the results of their collaboration with artist, Leon Wang.
We had a great morning - highlighted by Highland Park MS staff and students showing off the results of their collaboration with artist, Leon Wang.
Thanks to Linda Jones, Adayle Andrews, Leon Wang and the students of Highland Park Middle School
MNIB President, Kurt Carlson
MNIB President, Kurt Carlson
led the MNIB Coordinators through a tour of the new IB Programme Standards and Practices (PSP). We looked at each element: Purpose, Environment, Culture, and Learning to see how the changes impacted our Programmes. We agreed that the changes hold some exciting potential for our schools as we move forward.
led the MNIB Coordinators through a tour of the new IB Programme Standards and Practices (PSP). We looked at each element: Purpose, Environment, Culture, and Learning to see how the changes impacted our Programmes. We agreed that the changes hold some exciting potential for our schools as we move forward.
We are now seeking proposals to present at the 2020 Summer Conference August 18 & 19.
We are now seeking proposals to present at the 2020 Summer Conference August 18 & 19.
Please submit them by March 31st so that we can organize the registration site as soon as possible
Please submit them by March 31st so that we can organize the registration site as soon as possible
Our Winter MNIB Association meeting was December 5th
Our Winter MNIB Association meeting was December 5th
After a work session looking at updates to our Summer Conference and a wonderful presentation by MNIB Secretary, Jenny Magdal, we all wrote thank you notes to those who have positively impacted our IB Programmes and helped us sustain the IB in Minnesota in various ways. We dropped about 50 notes into the mail and others were mailed by coordinators themselves. #Begrateful
After a work session looking at updates to our Summer Conference and a wonderful presentation by MNIB Secretary, Jenny Magdal, we all wrote thank you notes to those who have positively impacted our IB Programmes and helped us sustain the IB in Minnesota in various ways. We dropped about 50 notes into the mail and others were mailed by coordinators themselves. #Begrateful
PYP 101
PYP 101
Thanks to workshop leader, Ryan Higbea, and the thirty new PYP teachers who took part in this new way for MNIB to deliver professional development. We began with an online meeting, followed with three weeks of self-paced learning of five modules, and then met December 12th as a large group.
Thanks to workshop leader, Ryan Higbea, and the thirty new PYP teachers who took part in this new way for MNIB to deliver professional development. We began with an online meeting, followed with three weeks of self-paced learning of five modules, and then met December 12th as a large group.
Our first blended PYP 101 introduction workshop wrapped up with a face to face meeting and meal at the beautiful Bigelow Hall at Global Academy, a proud PYP member of MNIB.
Our first blended PYP 101 introduction workshop wrapped up with a face to face meeting and meal at the beautiful Bigelow Hall at Global Academy, a proud PYP member of MNIB.
Application to the 2020 IB Global Conference in Toronto
Application to the 2020 IB Global Conference in Toronto
Thank you for your submissions
Thank you for your submissions
Applications were due January 29, 2020
MNIB is partnering with Kognity
MNIB is partnering with Kognity
MNIB is joining a growing group of associations partnering with Kognity to bring lower prices and greater access to intelligent textbooks. MNIB teachers will be receiving information in the coming days to explain the partnership and to learn how they can access the discounts available.
MNIB is joining a growing group of associations partnering with Kognity to bring lower prices and greater access to intelligent textbooks. MNIB teachers will be receiving information in the coming days to explain the partnership and to learn how they can access the discounts available.
Check out our IB Matters podcast with Kognity's Karin Bjerde explaining the Kognity platform (link in the podcast page)
This partnership will benefit both schools that are new to Kognity and those already using their excellent resources for DP groups 3,4 and 5 as well as TOK.
This partnership will benefit both schools that are new to Kognity and those already using their excellent resources for DP groups 3,4 and 5 as well as TOK.
MNIB
MNIB
Administrator Award
Administrator Award
Thank you for your submissions
Thank you for your submissions
We will be announcing the award winners at our March 5th meeting
We will be announcing the award winners at our March 5th meeting
Our first MNIB Association meeting of the year helped us make some new connections
Our first MNIB Association meeting of the year helped us make some new connections
The new meeting location at SPPS District offices was a great space to work together and make the collaborative connections which make the MNIB a successful IB-supporting organization.
The new meeting location at SPPS District offices was a great space to work together and make the collaborative connections which make the MNIB a successful IB-supporting organization.
The highlight was Angela Wilcox' wonderful presentation on Restorative Justice in an IB Context.
The highlight was Angela Wilcox' wonderful presentation on Restorative Justice in an IB Context.
MNIB coordinators in Circle during Angela's presentation. It was a (much) shorter version of a presentation she did at the MNIB Summer Conference and at the IB Global Conference in New Orleans.
MNIB coordinators in Circle during Angela's presentation. It was a (much) shorter version of a presentation she did at the MNIB Summer Conference and at the IB Global Conference in New Orleans.
Here are the minutes.
Here are the minutes.
The Summer Conference at Bethel University has been cancelled.
The Summer Conference at Bethel University has been cancelled.
But watch this website for more information regarding alternatives to the usual face to face gatherings.
But watch this website for more information regarding alternatives to the usual face to face gatherings.
Contact us at director@mnibschools.org
Contact us at director@mnibschools.org