General FAQs

What is Project Lead The Way?

Project Lead The Way® (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.

How did the program begin?

The PLTW curriculum was first introduced to 12 New York State high schools in the 1997-98 school year. A year later, PLTW field-tested a four-unit Middle School Program in three middle schools. Today, the programs are offered in some 3,000 schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Can a high school student fit the PLTW courses into his/her schedule?

Yes. The specific number of periods in the day in a particular school and the arrangement of those periods will influence the way these courses can be scheduled. For example, in a typical school with an 8 period instructional day + lunch, the following plan would work…(More)

Why does PLTW have a math requirement for students enrolled in its program?

By taking the highest level of college preparatory mathematics they are capable of successfully handling in all four years of high school, students will develop a solid background in math skills and concepts, will be prepared to take each level of the PLTW program, be prepared to succeed in the entry level mathematics course in college, avoid regression between high school and college by taking math each year of high school, and will have a solid background for engineering/technology…(More)

What are the benefits of PLTW to students?

Students in the PLTW program will…

• Receive training in current technology using the latest computer software and equipment in use in industry.
• Participate in a hands-on, activity oriented program that utilizes team efforts.
  
• Have the opportunity to enroll in a sequence of courses covering essential topics in technology (See Our Curriculum).
  
• Take courses that will apply and reinforce their study of math and science.
  
• Enjoy a challenging program that incorporates and addresses the goal of raising standards of learning.
  
• Participate in a program that will allow them to explore a major career path and, if they wish to continue, will prepare them for further education at a two or four year college in the field of engineering, engineering technology or biomedical science.
  
• Participate in a program that has developed articulation agreements with a number of colleges who will accept specified courses for credit or advanced placement.
  
• Be prepared to pursue a career in technology in a field where a national employment shortage exists and pay scales are among the highest levels for entry level professionals or technicians.
  
• (Optional) Have an opportunity to have an internship with a local industry during the summer as a way of helping them determine if this career path is of interest to them

What are the benefits of PLTW to schools?

• Partnerships with other school districts, colleges and universities and industry to offer pre-engineering programs for their students.
• A fully developed curriculum for the high school and middle school.
• A program that supports efforts to raise learning standards.
• A program that applies and reinforces concepts in math and science.
  
• A teacher training program that provides ongoing support and networks with colleges to prepare new teachers to enter the profession.
  
• A plan for selecting appropriate equipment, software and materials that incorporates a highly efficient bidding system.
  
• A comprehensive awareness program for school counselors and their students that includes an annual conference, information packets, descriptive brochures and videos.
  
• Articulation agreements with colleges that enable students to receive college credit and a competitive edge in applying to colleges.
  
• An organizational structure that offers a continuing program support mechanism at the local, regional, state and national levels.
  
• A commitment to continuous improvement.

Is PLTW considered a vocational program?

PLTW courses are considered part of the general education courses in the regular high school program. PLTW courses reflect national standards in math, science, and technology. Students are learning a career field and are preparing for a 2- or 4-year college-level program by enrolling in the PLTW program.

Are PLTW courses challenging?

Students who have done well in their math and science courses and who like to use computers will find these courses intellectually stimulating and manageable. Each course has something special to offer all students because it is, depending on the course, a hands-on daily experience in problem-solving skills, in electronics, robotics, and manufacturing processes. Because PLTW believes engineering, engineering technology and biomedical science are exciting careers, instructors have been trained in a teaching approach which involves students in the same team problem-solving activities used in college and industry. In addition, the problem-solving/analytical skills and processes are applicable to any career field. If, however, a student decides engineering or biomedical science is not for him or her, that learning will have occurred in high school and not later in college.

Why is it necessary for schools in the PLTW Network to sign an agreement?

PLTW is a network of schools that have committed in a written agreement to offer students a high quality program which meets a pre-determined set of quality standards and practices. The agreement serves as an important communication vehicle for current and future participants in the program and is useful in answering questions that may arise during the year. See a sample agreement here.