1 a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation Forging New Generations of Engineers, Technologist and Biomedical Professionals (1600 schools, 175K students, 6000 Trained Teachers, 46 states & DC)

2 Competing in a Flat World Economy Phoenix, AZ October 24, 2006 Richard Blais Vice President of Programs Project Lead The Way 747 Pierce Road Clifton Park, New York

3 PLTW Mission: Achieved through rigorous and relevant curriculum and professional development. To create dynamic partnerships with our nation’s schools to produce an increasing and more diverse group of students to be successful in science, engineering, and engineering technology programs at the 4 & 2 year college level This is Project/Problem-Based Learning! From: Digital Electronics Design and build an electronic device to automatically measure the distance a person is away from the device. What concept in science would you select to solve this problem ???

4 Strategic and Empowering Attributes Applied a “system’s approach” to curriculum and professional development (teaching & learning). Understood and respected the culture of K-12 schools. Engaged invested stakeholders in a collaborative strategic process to solve stakeholder problems. Designed a complete and culturally aligned operational plan for schools. Used contextual project/ problem-based learning in an engineering theme. Integrated rigorous content in mathematics, science, and English/language arts in the curriculum. Program evaluation aligned to stakeholder needs. Executed excellence in all facets of the program. Research Report URL:

5 An effective curriculum is a complete teaching resource. It enables the teacher to guide students through the learning process integrating knowledge and skills from more than one subject by using a contextual project/problem-based approach. The curriculum aligns key learning concepts to national learning standards; it includes day-by-day lessons, support and enrichment activities, course vocabulary, instructional resources, evaluation and assessment tools aligned to the key concepts. A complete teaching and learning resource. Like a football play book or a script to a play, a curriculum organizes and focuses actions. © 2006 Project Lead The Way ®

6 Curricular and Extracurricular Educational Programs What are their differences? AttributeCurricular ProgramExtra-Curricular InstructorsPaidVolunteer GoalTo have students master the learning To inspire students and foster an appreciation Students’ Meeting TimeDaily during school year; 180 hours Occasionally Professional Development Pre-Assessment, Immersion and Ongoing Varies CurriculaRigorous, relevant with assessment and college credit Activities and processes ComplementPrepares students to excel including in extra- curricular venues Motivates students to engage in further curricular experience © 2006 Project Lead The Way ®

7 National Recognition K-12 curriculum materials modeled on world class standards. Foster high-quality teaching with world class curricula, standards and assessments of student learning. Convene a national panel to collect, evaluate and develop rigorous K-12 materials that would be available free of charge as a voluntary national curriculum. The model for this recommendation is the Project Lead The Way pre- engineering courseware. page 4