IB Source to Distribute Positive Diversity Program to High Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2009

 
Contact: Scott Boone / 248-348-9312
             scott@positivediversity.com
 
IB Source to Distribute Positive Diversity Program to High Schools
Exploring Teamwork Essentials aligns with International Baccalaureate Program  

Northville, MI - Positive Diversity, LLC is pleased to announce its business arrangement with IB Source, the leading provider of curriculum materials to secondary schools which have adopted the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program.  

 
“We look forward to distributing Positive Diversity’s Exploring Teamwork Essentials Program,” comments Emelen De Jesus, IB Source Customer Service Manager. “I've received many requests from schools looking for content that addresses both diversity and teamwork. Until now, we haven't come across anything that fills this need. After reviewing the program and its early successes, I am excited to offer it."   
 
Covering traditional content areas, the IB curriculum also syncs with recommendations from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills initiative, a public-private partnership supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 21st Century Skills calls for greater student development of skills in key areas, including: 1) effective communication and inter-personal skills in global community; 2) collaboration and team-building skills; and 3) inventive thinking skills. "Educators attuned to newer research will grativate to the program," concludes De Jesus.
 
The IB program has experienced an adoption rate exceeding 10% in each of the past five years. Today, over 600 U.S high schools have adopted the program, many of them rating among America’s Top 100 High Schools, according to U.S. News and World Report (December 10, 2008).
 
 
“Positive Diversity’s program nicely aligns with key elements in the IB Learner Profile,” adds Cindi Lardner, educational consultant.  “Its high degree of interactivity and focus on learning in a global context are just what IB schools need and want,” she concludes. Describing eight development outcomes generated by the IB learning process, the IB Learner Profile includes Communicator and Open-minded.  
 
·         Communicator: They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
·         Open-minded: They are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view.
 
“I developed Exploring Teamwork Essentials with an eye on skills valued in today’s workplace,” comments Scott Boone, Positive Diversity founder. “It's great to see educators aim to develop these same skills in students. I an excited to see what the partnership with IB Source brings us.”
 
Unveiled in February Exploring Teamwork Essentials©,  is a team-skills primer that educates young adults on the importance of developing team skills, the attributes of high performing teams, and the role of understanding and appreciating diversity in a team setting. The program also engages participants in small groups to develop skill in listening and suspending judgment on the perspectives of others.
 
The Firm
 
The mission of Positive Diversity, LLC is to lead people to discover the positive in others and build skill working in teams.  It is fully devoted to celebrating diversity and building bridges between people. www.positivediversity.com