RMHS International Baccalaureate Programme

Special Education Needs/Inclusive Education Policy

The Rocky Mount High School IB Programme offers access to a wide and diverse student population, which represents the general population of our school. Behind our program is a set of beliefs about, not only how students are taught, but also about which students will have access to this program. It is important to the philosophy of our program, our school, and our school system that young people have the opportunity to pursue this rich and rigorous curriculum.

Central to RMHS’s vision, students do not have a right to fail. Our faculty is creating a culture of learning for all students, and ALL means ALL.  Our policy is that university bound students from a diverse population will have the opportunity to pursue the IB Diploma Programme. Our IB faculty and administration are committed to embracing this philosophy and to actively promoting diversity among our candidate population. Further, we are committed to providing quality, caring and nurturing instruction that allows for growth and success in our at-risk population, our students with disabilities, and our minority populations. Students who commit to the IB Diploma Programme at RMHS must be able to fulfill the requirements of curriculum and assessment from the IB.

This document states the policies of Rocky Mount High School, the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and the IB regarding assessment access requirements. It is the belief of RMHS and the IB that “candidates should be allowed to demonstrate their ability under assessment conditions that are as fair as possible” (IBO). In the event that it is demonstrated and determined that a candidate needs special conditions for assessments, authorization for special access must be pre-approved from the International Baccalaureate.

Policy

• Grades must reflect the candidate’s level of attainment based on the same standards for all candidates.

• Inclusive arrangements are intended to reduce adverse effects, but not to provide for any unfair advantage.

• Inclusive assessment is intended for candidates with the aptitude to meet all assessment requirements that lead to awarding of the diploma.

• Consideration for suitability of subject for the candidate will be made by Student Services and the DP Coordinator based on the candidates demonstrated strengths.

• Consent from parent/guardian is required for any special access to be granted.

• Candidates who already have an IEP or 504 in place and have demonstrated success in the IB Foundations courses (9th and 10th grade) are eligible to participate in the Diploma Programme; however, they and their parent/guardian must meet with the DP Coordinator, a Student Services Counselor, and a school administrator to review the Assessment Policies and to determine which accommodations may be requested for IB assessments.

• If need for inclusive assessment is determined and approved, the school will make every effort to meet the learning needs of the candidate.

• Application for special access for assessment must be submitted to both Student Services and the Diploma Coordinator at the earliest possible date, preferably prior to entering the diploma program in year 1.

• The application must state specifically the nature of the support requirement, and must be accompanied by supporting documentation from a psychologist, medical doctor or other appropriate health professional.

• DP Coordinator must submit directly to IB for approval any requests for special access electronically no later than September 30 of year 2.

• Prior authorization is required from the IB.

• Assessments will be carefully individualized, planned and evaluated based on
  the standards of RMHS, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, the State of North Carolina and the IB.
  “This document does not cover adverse circumstances such as family bereavement, civil unrest or natural disasters that could affect a candidate either during the preparation of work for assessment or during written examinations” (IBO). These circumstances, as well as temporary injury or illness, will be handled through the DP Coordinator and IB.
  Important Terms
  Assessment: All disciplines within the context of the IB Diploma Program have mandatory assessments (i.e. paper 1, paper 2, paper 3, internal assessment, external assessment). Some of the tasks are done within the context of a larger assessment, and some are undertaken separately. (IBO)
  Exceptional Circumstances: These are conditions and circumstances that are not common among most candidates. The International Baccalaureate is the only authority in determining if a condition is “exceptional” and therefore requires special arrangements. (IBO)
  Inclusive Assessment: When common or normal assessment conditions are changed to meet the needs of a candidate where the candidate may more fairly demonstrate their level of achievement. (IBO)
  
  

With Credit to The International Baccalaureate (IBO)

Revised 11/30/2020