Mayor Announces Expansion Of International Baccalaureate Programming

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A number of government and education officials gathered at Curie High School Friday to announce the expansion of International Baccalaureate programming.

The expansion comes at four CPS high schools: Curie, Amundsen, Kennedy and South Shore International College Prep. WBBM'S Andy Dahn reports.

Mayor Emanuel said IB programs, which focus on world languages, math and humanities among other subjects, help set students up for success.

"Our kids here in the Archer Heights community are now competing with kids worldwide on the educational standard and with the critical thinking necessary not just for college but for the rest of their lives," Emanuel said. "These are the investments we want to see."

Also in attendance was U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr., who had high praise for the expansion and CPS officials.

"What the Mayor understands, as does the team at Chicago Public Schools, is that we not only need students to graduate high school, we need them to graduate ready for success in college and careers," King Jr. said. "That's why this IB work is so important. We know that students who are in IB programs are more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to go on to college and more likely to persist in college."