Race and Gender Disparities in International Baccalaureate Program Participation in Northwest Public IB Schools and Practices to Increase Participation Equity
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Date
2022-10-04
Authors
Madden, Taylor
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This study examined disparities in participation based on race and gender in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in Oregon and Washington and policies and practices that may lead to representation among underrepresented groups. Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between IBDP participation and academic outcomes including graduation and college success. This study synthesized past research on the IBDP as an equity-lever for underserved students, barriers to accessing the IBDP for underrepresented groups, and keys to successful implementation with diverse student populations. A two-phase mixed-methods explanatory design guided this exploration. Phase 1 involved collection and analysis of IB registration and demographic data from across the region. In Phase 2, case studies were conducted in contexts of interest based on the Phase 1 results. Results of Phase 1 suggest a lack of diversity within Oregon and Washington schools offering the IBDP, higher rates of participation among IB students as Course rather than Diploma candidates, and a significant main effect for race and gender, respectively, upon the rates of disparity, but no significant interaction effect between race and gender. Findings in Phase 2 suggest that attitudes and beliefs of staff, flexibility that allows for culturally relevant adaptation of the IB curriculum, and full funding of IB fees may be associated with higher representation for Hispanic/Latinx students. Implications include a need for research on IB access considering race and gender among a larger, more diverse sample. Implications for practice include the potential value of heritage language programs, leveraging affinity groups, and eliminating fees.
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Keywords
Access, Equity, Hispanic/Latinx, IB Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Pacific Northwest