LHS IB DP Policies

Diploma Programme Guidelines and Expectations

About Our DP Policies

The policies outlined below govern the IB Diploma Programme at Loveland High School. These policies ensure academic integrity, fairness in assessment, appropriate student support, and alignment with IB standards and practices.

All DP students, parents, and faculty members are expected to be familiar with and adhere to these policies. Questions about any policy should be directed to the DP Coordinator.

IB Diploma Programme Policies

Academic Honesty Policy

Loveland High School is committed to promoting academic honesty and integrity in all aspects of student work.

Principles of Academic Honesty:

All work submitted must be authentic and the student's own
Proper citations must be given for all sources used
Collaboration is permitted only when explicitly authorized by the teacher
Students must understand what constitutes academic misconduct

Forms of Academic Misconduct:

Plagiarism: Representing the work or ideas of others as your own
Collusion: Supporting academic misconduct by another student
Duplication of Work: Submitting the same work for different assignments without authorization
Fabrication: Making up data, citations, or information

Citation and Attribution:

Students must cite all sources using an approved citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago)
This includes written sources, images, interviews, and ideas
When in doubt, cite the source
Students receive instruction on proper citation methods

⚠️ Consequences of Academic Misconduct:

Violations of academic honesty may result in a zero on the assignment, parent notification, administrative referral, and potential removal from the IB Diploma Programme. For IB assessments, the IB Organization may impose penalties including non-award of the diploma.

Student Responsibilities: Students are expected to understand and follow all academic honesty guidelines, ask for clarification when uncertain, and model integrity in all academic work.

Assessment Policy

Assessment in the IB Diploma Programme at LHS is designed to support student learning while meeting IB requirements.

Types of Assessment:

Formative Assessment: Ongoing feedback to support learning and development
Summative Assessment: Evaluation of student learning at the end of a unit or course
Internal Assessment: Teacher-assessed coursework completed during the programme
External Assessment: IB examinations administered in May and marked by IB examiners

Assessment Principles:

Assessments are criterion-referenced using IB assessment criteria
Students receive clear rubrics and expectations in advance
Feedback is timely, specific, and actionable
Assessment practices are fair, valid, and reliable
Accommodations are provided for students with documented needs

Internal Assessment:

Completed during the course under teacher supervision
Marked by teachers using IB criteria
Moderated by the IB to ensure consistency
Contributes 20-30% of final grade depending on subject

External Assessment (IB Exams):

Administered in May of senior year
Scored on a scale of 1-7 by external IB examiners
Results released in early July
Determines IB course credit and diploma award

📊 Grade Reporting:

Students receive both LHS grades (based on coursework and assessments) and IB predicted grades (used for university applications). Final IB scores are awarded after external examinations.

Admission and Participation Policy

The IB Diploma Programme at LHS is open to all students who demonstrate readiness for rigorous academic work.

Eligibility Requirements:

Enrollment in grades 11-12 at Loveland High School
Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence
Willingness to meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum
Parent and student understanding of DP requirements

Application Process:

Information sessions held annually for prospective students and families
Application submitted during sophomore year (or upon enrollment for transfer students)
Course selection completed with counselor guidance
Parent and student commitment forms signed

Programme Options:

Full IB Diploma: Complete all DP requirements including 6 courses, TOK, EE, and CAS
IB Course Certificates: Take individual IB courses without pursuing the full diploma

Student Expectations:

Maintain academic progress in all DP courses
Complete all Core requirements (TOK, EE, CAS)
Demonstrate academic honesty and integrity
Meet all deadlines for coursework and IB assessments
Participate actively in the DP community

💡 Recommended Preparation:

Students benefit from strong preparation in MYP or honors courses. However, students from any academic background who are committed to rigorous study are encouraged to apply.

Withdrawal from the Programme:

Students may withdraw from individual IB courses or the full diploma programme with parent and administrator approval. Withdrawal decisions should be made thoughtfully and in consultation with the DP Coordinator, counselor, and parents.

Language Policy

Language learning is central to the IB Diploma Programme and to developing international-mindedness.

Language of Instruction:

Primary language of instruction at LHS is English
All DP courses are taught in English unless otherwise specified
English Language Learner (ELL) support is available for qualifying students

Language Requirements in the DP:

Group 1 (Language and Literature): Study of literature in the student's best language
Group 2 (Language Acquisition): Study of an additional language
Most students take English Language and Literature (Group 1) and Spanish, French, or German (Group 2)

Support for Language Learners:

English Language Development (ELD) support for multilingual students
Accommodations available for students with documented language-based learning differences
Native speakers may take their first language as Group 1 through self-taught options
Bilingual students are encouraged to maintain and develop both languages

Language Across the Curriculum:

All teachers are language teachers who support literacy development
Academic vocabulary and language skills are developed in all subjects
Students learn discipline-specific terminology and communication styles
Written and oral communication skills are assessed across all courses

🗣️ Mother Tongue Support:

LHS recognizes the importance of maintaining students' first languages. Students may be able to study their mother tongue as a self-taught Group 1 language with approval from the DP Coordinator.

Inclusion and Special Educational Needs Policy

LHS is committed to making the IB Diploma Programme accessible to all students who can benefit from it, including students with diverse learning needs.

Principles of Inclusion:

All students have the right to access rigorous, high-quality education
Students with diverse learning needs can succeed in the DP with appropriate support
Accommodations and modifications are provided in accordance with IB guidelines
The DP curriculum is challenging but accessible to students with various learning profiles

Support Services Available:

Special Education services for students with IEPs or 504 plans
Counseling and social-emotional support
Academic intervention and tutoring
English Language Development for multilingual learners
Gifted and talented programming

IB Accommodations:

Students with documented needs may receive inclusive access arrangements
Examples include extended time, use of technology, alternative format materials
Accommodations must be approved by the IB Coordinator and supported by documentation
Accommodations are applied consistently across coursework and examinations

Collaborative Support:

Regular communication between DP teachers, counselors, and support staff
IEP and 504 plan accommodations implemented in all DP courses
Progress monitoring and adjustment of support as needed
Parent involvement in support planning and review

📋 Documentation Requirements:

Students requiring accommodations must have current documentation (typically within 3 years) from a qualified professional. Work with the DP Coordinator early to ensure accommodations are in place for IB assessments.

Examination and Testing Fee Policy

All IB Diploma Programme students are required to register for and take IB examinations in May of their senior year.

Examination Registration:

Registration occurs in the fall of senior year
Students must register for all DP courses they are taking
Registration deadlines are strict and set by the IB Organization
Late registration incurs additional fees

Testing Fees:

Fees are charged per examination and vary by subject
Full Diploma candidates pay a diploma registration fee plus individual exam fees
Course Certificate students pay per-exam fees only
Fees are subject to change annually by the IB Organization

Fee Payment:

Payment schedule and amounts communicated to families in early fall
Payment required by specified deadlines to avoid late fees
Families experiencing financial hardship should contact the DP Coordinator
Financial assistance may be available

Examination Administration:

Exams administered in May according to IB schedule
Students must be present for all scheduled examinations
Absence from exams requires documented emergency and IB approval
Make-up exams may be available in November for approved absences

⚠️ Important:

Once registered, examination fees are generally non-refundable. Students who do not take scheduled examinations without IB-approved reasons forfeit their fees and may not receive IB credit.

Results and Retakes:

Exam results released in early July
Students may request remarking of exams for an additional fee
Students may retake examinations in a future session
Retake fees apply per examination

For current fee information, please contact the DP Coordinator or refer to the LHS IB DP Guide.

Questions About DP Policies?

For clarification on any IB Diploma Programme policies, or to discuss specific circumstances or accommodations, please contact our DP Coordinator.

Darryl Baca | DP Coordinator

Contact Darryl Baca

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