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

cmalstrom@pltw.org

• Project Lead The Way Website

www.pltw.org