International Baccalaureate May Get Lift From Booster Bush

Still, rigorous curriculum branded as anti-American in some communities.

The International Baccalaureate has long resided in the shadow of its more recognized cousin, the Advanced Placement program, at least in the United States. But now, the nonprofit organization known for its demanding curriculum and global outlook is seeking to capitalize on an endorsement from this country’s top elected official, even as it faces a challenge at the grassroots level.

President Bush is proposing a major expansion of a federal incentive program that encourages schools to launch or expand both the IB and AP programs, and prepare more teachers to teach those courses.

The IB program is offered in 623 schools in the United States, a small fraction of those served by the AP. But backers say the federal support underscores the IB’s strong reputation, especially among college-admissions officials, who admire its academic standards and its commitment to teach students about...