The PLTW Classroom is:
• engaging
• thought-provoking
• where students develop critical thinking skills—preparing them to take on real-world challenges.
Innovation Zone
PLTW Classroom Characteristics
• Cutting-edge technology, equipment and materials
• Team work
• Project-based rather than lectures
• Relevant subject matter
• Invested teachers
• College credit eligibility
Innovation Zone
Top 80% of Students
The Facts
• More than 4,200 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia
• Over 10,500 teachers trained
• More than 100 University relationships, including Penn State, WPI, Rowan University, RIT, Duke University, California State University
• Partnerships with Fortune 100 and 500 companies and forward-thinking philanthropic organizations, including Autodesk, Intel, General Electric and Kern Family Foundation
Inclusivity
Curriculum
• Full-year courses for high school
• Nine-week units for middle school
• Written to National Standards
• Teacher Notes
• Day-by-Day Lesson Planning
• Student Handouts
• Scoring Rubrics
• Answer Keys
• Additional Resources
Curriculum Characteristics:
Curriculum Structure
• Cited by National Academies in Rising Above the Gathering Storm as the model for developing world class curriculum
• Cited by the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Pathways to Prosperity as a model CTE program
• Listed by the Bayer Foundation as a Best Practice STEM curriculum program
• Endorsed by:
– Society of Manufacturing Engineers
– American Aerospace Industry Association
– National Defense Industry Association
Award winning:
Curriculum Structure
Three Curriculum Programs
Gateway To
Technology
Pathway to
Engineering
Biomedical
Sciences
Middle School
Gateway To Technology
• Design and Modeling
– Solid modeling software introduces students to
the design process.
• Automation and Robotics
– Students trace the history, development, and
influence of automation and robotics.
• Energy and the Environment
– Students investigate the importance of energy in
our lives and the impact that using energy has
on the environment.
• Flight and Space
– Aeronautics, propulsion, and rocketry.
• Science of Technology
– Impact of science on technology throughout
history.
• Magic of Electrons
– Students unravel the mystery of digital circuitry.
Gateway To Technology MS
Introduction to Sustainability and Architecture
Gateway To Technology
High School
Pathway To Engineering
• Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
– 3D computer modeling software; study of the
design process
• Principles of Engineering (POE)
– Exploration of technology systems and
engineering processes
Pathway To Engineering HS
• Aerospace Engineering (AE)
• Biotechnical Engineering (BE)
• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
• Digital Electronics (DE)
• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)
Pathway To Engineering HS
High School Biomedical Sciences
• Principles of the Biomedical Sciences
(PBS)
– Study of human body systems and health
conditions
• Human Body Systems (HBS)
– Exploring science in action, students build
organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin and
play the role of biomedical professionals to
solve medical mysteries.
• Medical Interventions (MI)
– Investigation of interventions involved in the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
disease.
• Biomedical Innovation (BI)
– Students design innovative solutions for the
health challenges of the 21st century
Biomedical Sciences HS
Outstanding Outcomes
Our Students Perform
• PLTW Students Outperform Non-PLTW Students
– Significantly more Project Lead The Way students met the readiness goals on the 2008 High Schools That Work (HSTW) Assessment tests in reading, mathematics and science compared with HSTW students in similar career/technical fields and HSTW students in all career/technical fields.
(2009 Southern Region Educational Board Report)
Outstanding Outcomes
Closing The Achievement Gap
• In a study of Milwaukee PLTW students who all began middle school (6th grade) at lower proficiency in math, reading and science and with lower attendance rates than the control group of non-PLTW students, by 8th grade the proficiency gaps had been eliminated.
(University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Report – December 2009)
• ―Project Lead the Way has been an effective program during the past three years at narrowing the achievement gap for Hispanic/Latino students in all four core areas.‖
(Analysis of Student Achievement and Programs 2007, Galt Joint Union High School District)
Outstanding Outcomes
College Credit
• Requirements and specifications vary between institutions
• Over 100 colleges and universities offer credit, scholarships, and/or special admission consideration
• Transcripted credit from Rochester Institute for Technology for five engineering courses (IED, POE, DE, CIM, and CEA)
• Transcripted credit from Missouri University of Science and Technology for four biomedical sciences courses (PBS, HBS, MI, and BI)
College Credit Options:
College Credit
Professional Development
An intensive and comprehensive training
program for teachers
• Self-Assessment and Pre-Core Training
• Two-week Core Training provided through a network of nearly 40 Affiliate Universities across the country.
• Virtual Academy—videos of PLTW Master Teachers teaching actual PLTW lessons, collaboration tools, including teacher discussion forums for each course.
Professional Development
Student Scheduling
Counselors
Recruitment and Scheduling
Engineering
• Students should be enrolled in college preparatory mathematics
Biomedical Sciences
• Students should be enrolled in college preparatory mathematics and science
College Credit
• Many universities offer college credit, advanced standing or scholarships for PLTW coursework.
For More Information:
• Carolyn Malstrom, Director, Northeast Region
• Project Lead The Way Website
www.pltw.org