Life in the 21st century is evolving at a rapid and challenging pace, creating a renewed focus on the lack of fit between what education is and what it needs to be. In the United States, the most recent call for educational reform is the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, which highlight the importance of curriculum alignment and integration, a respect for multiple perspectives, and the provision of a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and career readiness.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) recognizes many areas of convergence between its aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect and the standards. However, as recently noted by a panel of educational experts, including members from Columbia University's Teacher's College, PARCC, and ACHIEVE, life in a global society demands a balance between cognitive, personal, and interpersonal skills, which the Common Core initiative has yet to define. The group concluded that IB programmes should be a