The Southern Regional Education Board is prepared to assist HSTW sites in implementing a engineering curriculum that helps schools achieve these goals. Project Lead The Way ^® (PLTW, Inc.) consists of a rigorous academic curriculum and a sequence of technical courses:

Foundation Courses:

• Principles of Engineering
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Digital Electronics

Specialization Courses:

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing or other specialty course
• Engineering Design and Development
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Biotechnical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

These courses can be part of a major in 11^th or 12^th grade or a career pathway. They also can be used in an academy model. PLTW, Inc. enables students to experience an engaging technical program that holds them to high standards and allows them to use their mathematics and science skills in solving real-world problems. Students who enroll in this program complete college-preparatory courses in mathematics, science and English in grades nine through 12.

A critical component of Project Lead The Way^® is its teacher professional development model, which provides intensive and comprehensive training to teachers involved with PLTW, Inc.. Significant attention is paid to assessing teachers’ readiness for training. Teachers who may not be ready for the core training (provided by PLTW, Inc. during a summer institute) receive suggestions on how they can acquire the background knowledge they need. Ongoing training supports the teachers as they implement the program and helps them to improve their skills.

Another key to the program’s success is awareness. PLTW, Inc. keeps school counselors informed about the program’s benefits, as well as various technology jobs and careers available to high school graduates. PLTW, Inc. holds a conference specifically for guidance counselors and provides them with materials, such as brochures and videos, to use with students and their parents.

PLTW, Inc. also has developed a technology curriculum for middle schools. This project-based program is divided into five  nine-week units. It will encourage more students to continue their technology studies in the high school program.

PLTW, Inc. makes its curriculum materials for middle schools and high schools available to partner schools at no cost and provides opportunities for professional development for teachers and counselors. In return, schools must provide equipment that meets PLTW, Inc. specifications, must implement a five-course sequence within four years, and must send staff for professional development training.

If you have any questions about PLTW, Inc. or the Southern Regional Education Board’s involvement in the engineering curriculum, please call Carolyn Helm at (706) 499-5011, or e-mail her at carolyn.helm@sreb.org, or call Kenneth Mason at (404) 875-9211 or e-mail kenneth.mason@sreb.org. You can also visit the Project Lead The Way^® Web site at www.pltw.org. 

For more information please contact Carolyn Helm, carolyn.helm@sreb.org or Kenneth Mason, kenneth.mason@sreb.org.