In order to better understand ways to expand access and improve student performance among low-income and minority students, who are nationally under-represented in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme across the United States, IB commissioned case studies of two schools. Lamar Academy in McAllen, Texas and Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida both have found some success in recruiting and supporting low-income and minority students in the Diploma Programme.
The report on these case studies describes the history and structure of each of these programs; discusses general programme availability and student preparation, recruitment, selection, enrollment, persistence, and achievement at each school; explores school-level, district, and state supports that appear to facilitate successful outcomes for students in the Diploma Programme; and identifies lessons from the two schools.
