By MATT SCHOOLEY
 

Bow superintendent of schools Dean Cascadden and other officials are looking for the community’s input while applying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.

The program was initially developed overseas for American students in other countries, but now aims to give students a leg up when applying to competitive colleges.

If the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or IB, program is accepted in Bow, students would take higher level courses during their junior and senior year, one of the benefits of the program, according to Cascadden.

“The biggest thing that it includes is trying to go deeper in understanding and comprehension of the material,” he said. “Competitive colleges see this program as a good preparation, and schools that do well in this program are ranked high in quality. I saw it as a natural fit as where we are now and where we go from there.”

Cascadden said the program has two main components – developing a well-rounded student and earning an intercultural understanding.

One reason for concern expressed by some residents is cost, because there would be expenses for some of the tools needed, as well as hiring additional personnel to run the program.

Bow has not yet been accepted into the program. Part of the acceptance into IB is community support, so the school is holding multiple information sessions for town members to hear what the program involves.

School officials are currently using the estimate of 100 students to judge the financial impact. With 100 students, officials estimate one and a half additional personnel would be necessary, which would cost about $130,000, part of which could be offset by fees paid by the students involved.

“Because you’re adapting what you presently have, it’s not like it’s going to be all new costs coming in. The major cost comes in having someone oversee the program. There are some other fees, but that’s the main one,” said Cascadden.

The additional staff would only be added as enrollment in IB dictates, if the school is accepted.

Testing in the program is a large attraction to the program for the district.

“The reason most are drawn to it is the validation of the assessment program,” said Cascadden. “Right now we’re following standards, but this helps you take a strong look at if you’re really teaching the kids at a level where they can be successful in the future.”

Cascadden said the application process is ongoing, and includes a visit from IB officials.

“There is no guarantee that we’re going to be accepted. Part of the assessment is if the town is accepting of it. It depends on what happens with that,” he said. “I’m 100 percent in favor of it, but I have to represent how the community feels.”

In addition to information sessions, the town will also get a chance to give its input during the Friday, March 14, Bow School District Meeting, which takes place at the high school, at 7 p.m.

If accepted, this year’s freshman class would be able to take IB courses during their junior and senior years.

Another key aspect, according Cascadden, is the ability to stride for excellence from Bow students.

“I see that as a whole, it gives us an external standard to compare ourselves to. The people here will rise to it, make improvements and things at the school will get better,” said Cascadden. “That isn’t to say that things are going poorly now, but it’s so you don’t remain complacent, you want to be striding for the next goal.”