School District initiative awarded national certification
April 29, 2011
Wentzville, MO
Holt and Timberland have become the first high schools in St. Charles County to receive national certification for the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program. PLTW offers a hands-on curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that allows students to apply what they are learning in math and science class to real life engineering and technology projects.
PLTW has been offered in the Wentzville School District since 2007. The primary purposes of the national certification are to recognize schools that have successfully demonstrated a commitment to the national standards of the Pathway To Engineering program, and to provide an opportunity for students to apply for college credit at universities affiliated with PLTW. More than 35 college and university partners offer students credit for completing certain PLTW courses in high school, including Missouri University of Science and Technology.
“This is a big honor for the District, but more importantly it’s great for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Adams. “Our emphasis on STEM courses helps our students achieve at a higher level, and this certification will help them earn college credit as well. Hopefully this will also encourage more students in both our middle and high schools to get involved in PLTW.”
The national certification team met with teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, community members and students and reviewed student work in the classes. “One of the most important benefits of Project Lead The Way for these students is intangible, it’s what it does for their confidence level. We give them problems and they solve them. It’s as simple as that,” said PLTW instructor Vince Redman.
Next year in addition to Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Aerospace Engineering, the high schools will also be offering a new course, Biomedical Science, as part of PLTW.
From the Wentzville School District
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