In 2007-08, Discovery Middle School became a Candidate School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), a program for middle schoolers from the highly acclaimed International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The concepts of MYP are incorporated in learning schoolwide. Common themes link subjects to make learning more relevant.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program for high school students began at Columbia River High School in 1994. The popular program has allowed students to foster a global perspective, develop higher order thinking skills, and thrive in highly rigorous college programs.
Like the high school program, MYP is operated and acknowledged worldwide. Both the middle and high school programs promote global understanding and encourage student self-direction, critical thinking and collaboration. Both encourage parent involvement and community service. While the high school program can lead to college credits and an internationally recognized IB Diploma, the middle school program does not. MYP does, however, give students learning skills that provide a seamless transition into challenging high school programs, including IB, AP, and other demanding coursework.
MYP students are encouraged to see the interrelatedness among all areas of learning—language, humanities, mathematics, arts, sciences, and physical education. Eight academic areas are required, including a world language as well as English.
The 2007-08 school year began a three-year sequence for Discovery Middle School. To be fully accredited by IBO, the school is completing a process which includes teacher training. “The school’s basic curriculum hasn't changed, but it incorporates common threads. It allows teachers to look through a common set of lenses, and it allows students to consider issues and authentic programs in their widest scope,” said Howard Butler Yank, AP/IB programs specialist.
Discovery Middle School is the first school in Southwest Washington and one of just a handful in the Northwest to offer the Middle Years Programme. Highland Middle School in Bellevue School District and Harbour Point Middle School in Mukilteo School District offer it, and Beaverton School District began a similar authorization process. Discovery hopes to complete the process in 2009-10.
MYP is open to all students in Vancouver Public Schools, although transportation outside the Discovery school boundaries is not provided. The Challenge program continues to be offered at Discovery as well. To learn more about MYP, call Howard Butler Yank at 313-1079.
