Predictors of Successful Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Loading...
Authors
Grose, Nicole Jillian
Issue Date
2020
Type
Dissertation
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) is an Accelerated College Credit (ACC) option that allows students to access high-rigor coursework, increase college readiness, and gain college credit in high school. This study used quantitative research methods to understand the academic and non-academic factors that predict a student’s likelihood of completing the IB DP. A binomial logistic regression was used to answer the research question: of the students who were designated as IB students at the beginning of Grade 11, what factors predicted successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program? The results revealed that academic preparedness before entering the program had the strongest predictors for successful completion of the IB DP, suggesting that academic skills and abilities before entering the program are the best predictor for completion. The study also revealed that early preparation measures did not predict successful completion, suggesting that quality of education prior to entering the program is more important for success in the program than quantity of programing or coursework. Finally, the study found that there is still a persistent gap in equity by gender and ethnicity/race in IB DP participation, despite the fact that the program was implemented in schools to offer a rigorous academic opportunity to diverse groups of students.