Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is the only pre-engineering/engineering technology of its kind in the nation.  It is presently offered in over 900 schools in 42 states and the District of Columbia and is affiliated with such groups as NASA, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society of Electrical Engineers, American Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and others. More information about PLTW and its programs is available at www.pltw.org.

Teacher Training

A critical component of the Project Lead The Way program is its comprehensive teacher training model (for both high school and middle school teachers). The curriculum these teachers are required to teach utilizes cutting edge technology and software requiring specialized training. Ongoing training supports the teachers as they implement the program and provides for continuous improvement of skills.

South Seattle Community College, in concert with Seattle University, is the official PLTW training affiliate for Washington State. Each summer, teacher training classes are offered.

Counselor Workshop

Understanding that another key to success is awareness, PLTW makes a concerted effort to inform school counselors through counselor conferences, brochures and videotapes about the benefits of the program, as well as the wide array of technology jobs and careers available to students who enter the field upon graduation from high school and college. Annually a counselor workshop is held in Washington State.

Middle School Program

In addition, PLTW has developed an exciting Middle School Technology Curriculum: Gateway To Technology (GTT). This project-based, cutting edge curriculum is 40 weeks in length and is divided into four 10-week units from the following: Design and Modeling; The Magic of Electrons; The Science of Technology; Automation and Robotics; three new units in development: Environmental Engineering, Energy and the Environment, and Aerospace Engineering. Designed for all students, the units address national standards in math, science and technology. One of the goals is to increase interest and awareness of female and minority students in technology and related careers. Gateway To Technology will also encourage increasing numbers of students to elect the high school program.

High School Program

PLTW has developed a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.
The high school courses are:

• Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)
• Digital Electronics (DE)
• Principles of Engineering (POE)
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
• Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)
• Bio technical Engineering (in development)
• Aerospace Engineering (in development)
• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

Introduction at this level will attract more students to engineering, and will allow students, while still in high school, to determine if engineering is the career they desire. Students participating in PLTW courses are better prepared for college engineering programs and more likely to be successful, thus reducing the attrition rate in these college programs, which currently exceeds 50% nationally.

High School PLTW Certification

Under the PLTW/School Agreement signed by districts, all high schools must be certified and re-certified every five years thereafter. This process requires schools to demonstrate that they meet PLTW’s quality standards in professional development of teachers and counselors; the implementation of curriculum using required equipment and software; and the formation of a Partnership Team. Application for certification can be made by a school through the state’s PLTW training affiliate, South Seattle Community College/Seattle University.

PLTW National Training Affiliate-Washington State

Project Lead the Way National Training Affiliate (for WA State)
South Seattle Community College
Continuing Education (4OLY130)
6000-16 th Avenue SW
Seattle , WA 98106-1499
Contact: Duncan Burgess
Telephone: 206.768.6882
Email: DBurgess@sccd.ctc.edu