Clifton Park, NY (November 29, 2010) - Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the nation's leading provider of STEM Anderson education,announced it has honored ten "Model Schools" for their innovative approach to engaging students in learning. PLTW's rigorous hands-on, project-based curriculum helps students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for the jobs of the 21st century. The 2009-2010 Model Schools offer outstanding examples of how schools of all sizes nationwide are preparing middle school and high school students for college and career success in STEM fields.
The 2009-2010 PLTW Model Schools, which were honored in Washington, DC during the National Innovation Summit, are: Anderson School Districts One and Two Career and Technology Center - South Carolina;Clarence Middle School - New York; Clear Springs High School - Texas; Davenport West High School - Iowa; Gulliver Schools - Florida;Lake Travis High School - Texas; Scott County High School - Kentucky; Southwest Academy for 21st Century Excellence - Wisconsin; Tulsa Technology Center - Oklahoma; Washington County Technical High School - Maryland.
"There are thousands of PLTW schools around the country that are engaging students in learning through imagination and innovation," said John Lock, CEO of PLTW. "Only ten are named model schools and we congratulate the teachers and students for the incredible work they've accomplished over the last year. Students in these programs are creating, designing, building and developing the problem-solving skills they need to be successful in the future. These programs are truly models for the entire nation."
This year's model schools embody a set of important characteristics, many of which are key elements of the quality and performance indicators outlined in PLTW's National Certification application. For example, the PLTW program at a number of 2009-10 Model Schools is being fully implemented, with more than 25% of the student population participating. Partnerships with business and industry and postsecondary institutions are in place and actively supporting the curriculum. Many of the Model Schools have developed a robust student recruitment strategy, which often features ongoing coverage of their program by the local media. Professional development is a mainstay of most 2009-10 Model Schools, with teachers and counselors not only attending PLTW summer training programs, but also in some cases taking an active role in leading them. Finally, many of these schools provide their students with the opportunity to work with local community members and businesses to solve meaningful problems.