Skip to main content

University Elementary

Monroe County Community School Corporation

IB Overview

IB at University Elementary

We at University Elementary School work together to encourage our students to become inquiring, reflective learners who value others in an inclusive community and around the world.

Our vision is to prepare students for action in a global community.

At University Elementary, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides the framework for teaching and learning. The PYP focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world beyond

What Is IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational framework used around the world that focuses on developing the whole child through inquiry, critical thinking, and global understanding. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) fosters natural curiosity and supports students in creative, collaborative learning environments. Students develop knowledge, understanding, and skills across subject areas while learning to think critically and creatively. The PYP encourages students to:

  • Inquire and ask questions
  • Communicate ideas in a variety of ways
  • Work collaboratively with others
  • Take responsibility for their learning
  • Take action to make a difference

Students learn to understand a complex and interdependent world and to see things from different perspectives.

 

How Learning Works (Units of Inquiry)

Learning at University Elementary is organized through units of inquiry that connect multiple subject areas. These units are built around central ideas and lines of inquiry that guide student learning. Students explore six transdisciplinary themes:

  • Who We Are
  • Where We Are in Place and Time
  • How We Express Ourselves
  • How the World Works
  • How We Organize Ourselves
  • Sharing the Planet

Each unit integrates learning across subject areas. For example:

  • How the World Works: Students explore the natural world and its laws, how humans use scientific understanding, and the impact of scientific and technological advances.
  • How We Express Ourselves: Students explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, culture, and beliefs.
  • Sharing the Planet: Students explore rights and responsibilities in sharing resources with people and other living things

Program of Inquiry

The Program of Inquiry outlines the units of study for each grade level. Each unit includes: a central idea, lines of inquiry, key concepts, and connections across subject areas.

  • Kindergarten - Who We Are

    Central Idea: Our senses help us learn.

  • First Grade - How We Organize Ourselves

    Central Idea: Groups Share Resources.

  • Second Grade - Sharing the Planet

    Central Idea: The world is made up of cycles that are interdependent.

  • Third Grade - Who We Are

    Central Idea: People's actions influence the world.

  • Fourth Grade - Who We Are

    Central Idea: Humans share a common experience and bring different perspectives to the world.

  • Fifth Grade - Who We Are

    Central Idea: Choices affect physical, emotional, intellectual, and social health.

  • Sixth Grade - Sharing the Planet

    Central Idea: Community interactions affect the sustainability of systems.

IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile is the foundation of teaching and learning at University Elementary. Students strive to be:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balanced
  • Reflective

These attributes support students in developing as learners and as members of a global community

Assessment & Support

University Elementary is committed to meeting the needs of all learners. Students receive support through:

  • Differentiated instruction
  • Tiered support systems
  • Collaboration among teachers and specialists

Support may include:

  • Push-in and pull-out services
  • Special education services
  • English language support
  • Social-emotional learning supports

Language development is an essential part of learning. Students build skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing across all subject areas. Language learning is integrated throughout the curriculum and supported through inquiry, collaboration, and authentic learning experiences.

IB Policies

University Elementary maintains policies that support the IB framework.

  • Academic Integrity

    Students are expected to act with honesty and responsibility in their learning. Academic integrity includes creating original work, giving credit to sources, and making ethical choices.

  • Inclusion

    University Elementary values diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning for all students.

  • Language

    Language is central to learning, communication, and self-expression. All students are supported in developing language skills across the curriculum.