LHS IB DP Policies
LHS IB DP Policies
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
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
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 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
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.
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
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 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
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.
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
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.
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
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