Sharing Strategies for Expanding Access: A Roundtable Discussion

Audience: Middle Years Programme
Audience: Diploma Programme
Session: Block 5: Saturday 2:00 to 3:15, Room: Pacific J

Through a project funded by the US Department of Education, IB North America is working to increase the number of students both participating and succeeding in IB programmes by piloting new structures to support greater access. A key strategy for achieving this goal is a coaching model that is being developed with the Great Schools Partnership. During this session, participants will have an opportunity for discussions on the issues of increasing access to IB programmes. Discussions will be facilitated by IB Coaches, who are currently working with schools in this pilot project. They will use case studies to focus on strategies for expanding access in both the MYP and the Diploma Programme.


Jessica Arnold, Project Manager, Access Projects, International Baccalaureate

After receiving a B.A. in English from Vassar College, Jessica spent several years running a program for homeless children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jessica earned a master's degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, with a concentration on Risk and Prevention with Adolescents. She has a background in education and public health research and has taught a variety of college and adult education writing courses. Prior to joining IB North America, Jessica directed a literacy initiative with New York City public schools for the Gateway Institute at City College of New York. She currently serves as Project Manager - Access Projects at IB North America.


Organization website: http://www.ibo.org

Lou Marchesano, Access Coach, IB North America,

Lou Marchesano is currently the Director of Instruction for Summit School District in Colorado. He has been a Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme coordinator, English A1 teacher, and has coordinated all three programmes for Poudre School District. Mr Marchesano was Principal of Lincoln Junior High School, which instituted a whole-school MYP serving a diverse student population. He has lead authorization and evaluation teams for both the Diploma Programme and MYP. He is a workshop leader, served as the chair of the IB North America Regional Heads Representative Committee, and as a board member from 2003-2007. He is currently serving as an Access Coach for IB North America.

Barbara Norgaard-Reid, Access Coach, IB North America,

Barbara Norgaard-Reid implemented two highly successful Diploma Programmes in Washington State. A former high school principal, she has coached several schools on issues of social justice for the Gates Foundation with a focus on the development of small schools. Her work with IB North America includes past participation in the Regional Heads Committee and the Development Committee. Ms Norgaard-Reid currently participates in site visits for the MYP and Diploma Programme as well as consults with schools in both programmes. She currently serves as an Access Coach for IB North America.

Marion Pittman-Couch, Access Coach, IB North America,

Marion received her B.A. in English from Winston-Salem State University, and a Master of Arts degree in English from Wake Forest University. She holds a specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a second Master of Arts degree in Administration from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Her educational career includes roles as high school English teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant principal. Ms Pittman-Couch now serves as Head of School for Paisley IB Magnet School , the first authorized IB World School in Winston-Salem. She was also selected in 2000 to participate in Leadership Winston-Salem, a program for recognized leaders in the community.