CSUSM Launches Online Certificate Program for High School International Baccalaureate Teaching

    SAN MARCOS, CA, April 05, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- CSU San Marcos Extended Learning recently launched a fully online International Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning that prepares graduates to teach in any IB high school worldwide. This highly regarded curriculum has been implemented across the globe, driving demand for IB teachers both in the US and worldwide. The CSUSM Office of Global Education recently partnered with TechElearns in Chennai, India to provide this program to educators across India, drawing the attention of the press overseas.

With the launch of IB training at the high school level, CSUSM's online Certificate now covers training for IB teachers at all levels, from elementary school through high school. Participating in the IB programme can help students earn college credits prior to matriculation, with many colleges and universities giving credits for high scores on IB tests. While each school is different, the universality of the IB curriculum and tests make them a useful metric for college admissions officers worldwide.

There's also evidence that IB gives students a boost in terms of college readiness. IB Global Research comparing American Diploma Programme (DP) students with their non-IB peers showed that DP students have higher levels of educational attainment. As of 2013, more than three-quarters (77%) of DP students enrolled in 4-year institutions directly from high school, compared to a national average of 69%. DP students were even more likely to return as sophomores, with a first-year retention rate of 98% compared to a national rate of 75%. Most striking, 74% of DP students graduated within four years, while the national rate of 4-year graduation is just 38%.

"The IB programme has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities," explains Robert Carolin, CSUSM Executive Director and Associate Dean of the Office of Global Education. "Our Certificate is aimed at enhancing the skill sets of people aspiring to advance and make a meaningful mark in the field of education."

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning is a two-semester course of study that can be completed over eight months. Though participants have the flexibility to learn on their own schedules, the cohort model provides the advantages of regular interaction with fellow learners and extensive feedback and support from the faculty, all of whom have experience as IB principals, coordinators, or educator network (IBEN) leaders. Participants in the Certificate program develop a strong theoretical knowledge of the IB programme, working with actual IB lesson plans, materials, and assessments.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Educator Certificate in Teaching and Learning is a credit certificate and students can apply ten semester units to the Master's of Arts General Option at CSUSM or may be able to transfer the credits to another university. A bachelor's degree, teaching credential, or equivalent work experience is required for admission to the Certificate program. Registration fees cover both the course tuition and fees associated with the IB Educator Certificate. To learn more or to apply, call 760-750-4004, or visit www.csusm.edu/el/IB.

About CSUSM Extended Learning
As the academic outreach arm of Cal State San Marcos, Extended Learning is a leading provider of professional and continuing education in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties. Offering degree programs, such as a specialized accelerated MBA degree, as well as both academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses, Extended Learning helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals. For more information about Extended Learning at CSUSM please visit http://www.csusm.edu/el/.

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