Several data sources, including local manufacturers, tell us that United States industries need more people to work in high-tech fields, especially engineering. According to PLTW literature "U.S. Industry needs more than one million engineers and technical workers. Middle schools and high schools can help supply them."
We have been exploring the PLTW curriculum for our middle school students that would address the interest in preparing more people for these occupations. This curriculum would take the place of what has been previously taught in 8th grade industrial technology. Our teachers would be re-trained to teach these classes.
The startup costs for equipment and supplies would be approximately $36,000. There are some grant monies available from the Kern Foundation that would assist with this cost. We will be looking for community partners that have an interest in science, technology, engineering and math to partner with for at least some of the cost beyond what the grant does not cover.
Our high school students can access PLTW through Wright Technical Center in Buffalo. The middle school curriculum would be a good lead up to that.
Click here to see a video on PLTW.
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