MAK District 4th of July Block Party (photo submitted by Tim)

A Nation’s Strength – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What makes a nation’s pillars high

And it’s foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

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I have a confession to make.

I still don’t really understand what “IB” is.   And when you reply “International Baccalaureate”, I become even more confused.

Is that a new reality show on ABC?

Coming across a conversation on the City of Decatur Schools teaching program feels sorta like being a cool kid at a Star Wars convention.  I recognize that you’re speaking English, but I don’t really understand anything that you’re saying.

Thank goodness for this New York Times article from yesterday, which discusses the “lesser-known” I.B. program and its growing popularity in the nation’s schools, giving a decent overview along the way.