Wauwatosa Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Partnerships Bill Anderson and Jerry Merz January 25, 2011

Wauwatosa School District Vision United with the parents and the community, the Wauwatosa School District delivers an outstanding education that equips and inspires our students to conquer their challenges now and in the future.

PLTW Mission Ensure that America succeeds in the increasingly high-tech and high-skill global economy, by partnering with middle schools and high schools to prepare students to become the most innovating and productive in the world.

Why Wauwatosa Chose PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) prepares students to be both innovative and productive in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Build student capacity to become meaningful pioneers and contributions in our world. PLTW students learn real world 21 st century skills, solve problems, and make discoveries about their learning and the world in which they live. Learning through collaborative interactions with classmates, teachers, and parents, help create a learning experience that is project based.

District History School Year –Initial discussion took place within the school district –Group was formed to investigate possibilities School Year –Administrative support for PLTW to move forward –New Course Proposal to Board of Education October –Grant application to Kern Family Foundation was submitted November

District History Continued School Year –February 2008 Kern Family Foundation Grant Approved in the amount of $60,000 over 3 years (30K 1 st year, 10K 2 nd year and 20K 3 rd year) School Year –East and West High Schools offered Principals of Engineering (POE) School Year –East and West High Schools offered Introduction to Engineering (IED). –Initial discussions about Middle School Gateway To Technology (GTT).

District History Continued School Year –East and West High Schools offered Digital Electronics (DE). –Middle School Gateway To Technology (GTT) Proposal presented to BOE to offer 7 th and 8 th graders Introduction to Engineering and Robotics. Over the past 3 year We have impacted the education of approximately 350 students. Five Teachers have received professional development. Four secondary counselors have received training. District has created a STEM Partnership Team made up of Community Members, Administrators, and Teachers. Instrumental in developing partnership and club opportunities.

High School Implementation Sequence High School Programs will implement three foundation courses and one capstone course. –Introduction to Engineering and Design (IED) –Principles of Engineering (POE) –Digital Electronics (DE) –Civil Engineering and Architecture –Engineering Design and Development Foundation Specialized Capstone

Middle School Implementation Sequence Middle School Programs will implement four 9 week courses over 2 years. –Design and Modeling & Automation and Robotics –Energy and the Environment & Flight and Space Basic +Adv.

Partnerships

Purpose of Partnerships The creation of partnerships provide pathways through which community and school can share experiences and resources. Provides learning opportunities for our students, community, and the human capitol within our organizations. Provide transition points for our students post secondary pursuits.

Recognition to Individual and Business Partners Kiwanis was our first partner and recognized as a Uranium Member. Celebrate what’s right with the world (local community). Share knowledge across man-made institutional boundaries. Create friendships and open lines of communication to rediscover “community”.

Club Initiative/Communication

How to Get connected Created a Web Page

Informal Conversation

Vision To ignite the spark of American ingenuity, creativity and imagination within all our students.

Contact Information Bill Anderson – Jerry Merz