On common Core

[frazzled]

7. Similar to International Baccalaureate ... created for diplomats' kids

A similar issue exists for children of diplomats, of every country, so in 1968 the International Baccalaureate program was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, and has been used in countries around the world—Europe, Africa, North and South America, and the Middle East—for many decades.

My daughter attended a public high school in Minnesota that had an IB program, where the teachers were specially trained to impart the high-school curriculum. It's kind of long and complicated to explain here, but basically it is a broad liberal arts and sciences curriculum that emphasizes primary resource materials (not textbooks) and written essay papers and examinations (i.e., no "multiple choice" kinds of tests--students, even for a biology course, focus heavily on written materials, in that case, studies and lab reports). One cool aspect is that, because it is an international program, students' final papers are sent to teachers in other countries--say, Wales--to be graded. This ensures not only an unbiased look at the work, but peer-review of the overall quality of the submitting school's program, to retain accreditation.

All students must also complete a two-year course in Theory of Knowledge, and to obtain the diploma, write a substantial original research paper, and complete 150 hours of community service as well as arts and sport activities. Oh yeah--and pass a several-day written essay exam in five different subject areas. It's a killer, but not so much that anyone cannot do it if properly motivated. And the beauty is that no matter where you go in the world, you may meet someone who has studied the very same things you have--creating common bonds.