The Only Constant in Education is Change!

By Rachel DOMENIC, MYP Coordinator

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After over a dozen years overseeing IB program curriculum and development and helping scores of schools become IB World Schools, I still remember a moment from my teacher preparation program that will always shape my viewpoint on education. One of my professors, a seasoned educator who had seen countless reforms come and go, opened our course with a blunt reality check:

“The only constant in education is change.”

 

 

He spoke about how the world was evolving rapidly—demographics were shifting, technology was transforming classrooms, and the skills students needed for success were no longer the same. His message was clear: the best schools aren’t the ones that resist change but the ones that embrace it with purpose. 

Throughout my career, I have seen school leaders, teachers, students, and families navigate change—some embracing it wholeheartedly, others resisting it. The most successful school communities strike a balance: they honor traditions while embracing new possibilities with optimism and vision.

At the Lycée Français de San Francisco, we are doing just that. We are preserving the strengths of our long-standing programs and the rich traditions that define our community, while also expanding opportunities to welcome students who are not fluent in French, but want to grow language skills in a high quality bilingual program. The International Baccalaureate (IB) complements the French Baccalaureate seamlessly, and together, these programs enrich our academic offerings, ensuring that all students receive a rigorous, globally minded education.

 

Why Our School is Embracing IB

As our school transitions to the International Track and IB program, my professor’s words feel more relevant than ever. Change can be daunting, especially when it means adapting traditions and stepping into the unknown. But it is also an opportunity—one that will empower our students with the tools, mindsets, and global perspectives they need to thrive in the future.

Education is no longer just about memorization and test-taking; it is about preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex world. The IB program is designed with this reality in mind. It fosters:

• Critical thinking and inquiry
• Real-world problem-solving
• Intercultural understanding
• Student ownership of learning

This is not just a shift in curriculum—it is a shift in mindset.

 

 

Learning from Other Schools' Journeys

We are not alone in this journey. I have supported countless schools around the world as they successfully transition to IB, and their experiences offer valuable insights:

1. Resistance is Normal, but Engagement Changes Minds

At one school undergoing IB authorization in a very rural, conservative area of the US, community members wrote to the local newspaper, claiming the program was an attempt to 'brainwash' students. Instead of responding with arguments, the school responded with action—showcasing IB’s emphasis on service learning and rigorous academics. Over time, skepticism turned into support, and today, the school is recognized for developing engaged, critical thinkers who are active, engaged members in their community. The community now looks to the school for support through their community projects and service opportunities.

2. IB Encourages a Shift to Real World Application 

At another school in China, the headmaster initially prioritized standardized testing as a measure of rigor. But as the school transitioned to IB, the administration realized that deep learning comes from inquiry and application, not just test scores. The school transformed its planned testing hall into a collaborative learning hub, fostering creativity, discussion, and real-world problem-solving. Initially, some parents were skeptical, fearing the shift would diminish academic excellence. But as they saw their children thrive in project-based learning, they became the program’s strongest advocates.

 

 

What Our Students and Teachers Are Saying

As we continue our journey with the International Baccalaureate, the most powerful evidence of its impact comes directly from those at the heart of our school: our students and teachers.

Our Students Say:

• “I appreciate how the rubrics push us beyond just completing work. It challenges me to go further.”

• “While we work really hard, there’s also an emphasis on balance. We do fun things—like practicing creativity in French class by going to a pottery studio. We used sensory language in a real-world setting while also expressing ourselves artistically.”

Our students are not just completing assignments—they’re engaging in meaningful, interdisciplinary learning that connects to the real world and encourages creative thinking.

Our Teachers Say:

• “The IB framework gives us more freedom to go in-depth on concepts. Instead of rushing through content for a test, we can take time to ensure students truly understand.”

• “We’re doing projects that are central to learning, not just added on top. Inquiry and creativity are at the root of the work.”

• “We go beyond content and explore how it applies in the real world. That’s not just an extra—it’s an essential part of what we do. Students take more ownership and responsibility for their learning.”
   

 

This shift—from coverage to depth, from rote tasks to authentic engagement—is not new to our school; it’s something we’ve long valued in our French Baccalaureate program. Both the French Bac and the IB emphasize deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and a connection to real-world application. What the IB track brings is an opportunity to expand those values in new ways—opening additional doors for students who may not come from a French-speaking background, while preserving the academic excellence we are known for.

Our students are thinking critically, asking thoughtful questions, and making meaningful connections across subjects. Our teachers, whether teaching in the French or International track, are united by a shared commitment to rigorous, inquiry-driven learning that empowers students to take ownership of their education. Bringing in the International Track fosters further inclusivity as we support a more diverse population of students to join our wonderful community. We are excited to work together on this path to inclusivity. 

 

How to Get Involved

We invite you to be part of this exciting journey! Join us for:

• Parent Coffee Sessions – Get your questions answered about IB

• Student Shadow Days – See IB in action
   
• Contact the Coordinator for individualized questions and support on how the program can best prepare your student for future success. Rachel Domenic, rdomenic@lelycee.org.

Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines who we are. By embracing the International track, its IB program and its students, we are ensuring that our school remains at the forefront of education, preparing students for a world that demands adaptability, innovation, and a global perspective.