WAKELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACHIEVES
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE STATUS

(Bradenton, FL - June 23, 2008) The International Baccalaureate Organization has officially recognized Wakeland Elementary School of International Studies in Bradenton as an International Baccalaureate World School. Wakeland is just the 12th elementary school in Florida to achieve that status and it joins Southeast High School as one of just 2,365 IB World Schools located in 128 countries. Johnson Middle School is currently working toward achieving IB status.

IB World Schools have curriculums based on the best teaching practices culled from a variety of nations. They place an emphasis on preparing students to succeed in a rapidly globalizing world and require all students to learn a second-language. Because of their high-quality reputation, active training and support for teachers and rigorous authorization and evaluation standards, IB World Schools are highly regarded by the world's leading universities.

"Being recognized as an IB World School is a big, big deal," said Wakeland Principal Chuck Fradley. "It means the curriculum and instruction you are offering your students is of the very highest quality."

The elementary school designation for an IB World School is known as the "Primary Years Programme." Wakeland's journey to earn the PYP designation encompassed three years in which Fradley, his teachers and staff totally transformed the teaching methods, curriculum and makeup of the school. During this time period, Wakeland became the first traditional elementary school in the Manatee District with no defined geographical boundaries. All of the 400-plus students who currently attend Wakeland attend the school as a result of school choice.

To obtain PYP status, Wakeland had to go through a thorough three-step process that included a preliminary feasibility study, a one-year trial implementation period and an on-site examination from an official authorization group from the IB Organization. The on-site visit took place in February of this year.

"It's been a long process, but it's been a rewarding process," Fradley said. "All of the credit has to go to our teachers, staff, students and families because they've done all of the hard work to receive this recognition. The School Board and Superintendent also deserve praise because they were dedicated to making this opportunity available to the children of Manatee County."

Once Johnson Middle School obtains IB status, the Manatee District will be able to offer students a continuum of IB access from Pre-K through 12th grade. For more information on the IB Organization, visit www.ibo.org.

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