Within the mission statement of the International Baccalaureate Organization, it is recognized that strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship. At Spicewood Elementary we encourage the development of the following IB Attitudes:

• Appreciation – appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people
• Commitment – being committed to the learning, persevering and showing self-discipline and responsibility
• Confidence – feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions and choices
• Cooperation – cooperating, collaborating, and leading or following as the situation demands
• Creativity – being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems and dilemmas
• Curiosity – being curious about the nature of learning and of the world, its people and cultures
• Empathy – imaginatively projecting themselves into another’s situation, in order to understand his/her thoughts, reasoning and emotions
• Independence – thinking and acting independently, making their own judgements based on reasoned principles and being able to defend their judgements
• Integrity – having integrity and a firm sense of fairness and honesty
• Respect – respecting themselves, others and the world around them
• Tolerance – feeling sensitively towards differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of

The International Baccalaureate Organization also wants their participating students to develop and become

• Inquirers are students who ask questions and don't give up easily. They are curious and enjoy learning.
• Thinkers are students who show initiative and ask questions.
• Communicators are students who express themselves verbally, through drawing, and through writing. They are also good listeners.
• Risk takers are students who are willing to make mistakes and prepared to try something new.
• Knowledgeable describe students who show interest in school and remember what has been taught. They learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them.
• Principled describes students who are honest, who make good decisions, and are responsible. They share and play well with other students.
• Caring describes students who care about others. They are helpful to others and understand that they are part of a group.
• Open minded describes students who are willing to listen to others.
• Balanced students are organized, healthy, and do not waste time. They understand about their own physical well being.
• Reflective describes students who think about what they do and say, who think about their learning, and who think about different ways to do things.