By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A nationally known program focused on science, technology, engineering and math could soon be integrated into the Washington-Caldwell School District’s curriculum.
At a School Board meeting Jan. 18, Kelli Vogt, the district’s library media and technology specialist, discussed a proposal to link up with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the organization whose specialists provide the curriculum – much of it hands on – to school districts across the country.
From robotics-type activities to team-building, problem solving exercises, PLTW curriculum revolves around the content areas that commonly go under the acronym of STEM. Educators have frequently supported adding STEM to curriculum because it hones in on skills wrapped around emerging career options.
Vogt brought her conceptual proposal to the School Board after meeting with school leaders in the Elkhorn School District and learning how the program has benefited its young learners.
“We came back and talked to some of the teachers here (at Washington School),” Vogt said. “There was a feeling this would fit right in.”
On its face, PLTW curriculum would be largely cost-neutral. The curriculum itself is free, though the district would have to pay an annual $750 subscription fee to access PLTW’s resources.
Also in the equation are materials fees, which can be pricier in upper-level grades. For most instruction, iPads also are required, though that scenario is already up and running at Washington School since the one-to-one laptop program is underway.
Another cost caveat could be the cost of training. Because of the specialized nature of the curriculum, teachers giving the PLTW instruction would need training at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Superintendent Mark Pienkos said 147 of Wisconsin’s 435 school districts currently have some level of PLTW curriculum, though the number of districts — only 26 — offering it at the elementary level is noticeably smaller. As a K-8 district, Washington-Caldwell would be unique with the program offering.
“This about trying to help kids prepare for careers in the future,” Vogt said.
A number of questions loom about the PLTW implementation, including a timeline. Further discussion and a possible decision could come as soon as next month. District officials did not indicate when specifically PLTW could join the district’s curricular options, though it is possible it could be up and running as soon as this fall.
What is certain is district officials are planning a slow rollout. At the onset, plans call for PLTW curriculum being offered in elementary-level grades. As time goes on, it could expand into middle-school grades.
“Right now, I think we should recognize our young learners and start from there,” Pienkos said. “I see this as being similar to the gifted and talented programs we added eight years ago. After a while, I could really see the momentum being built.”
Conceptually, School Board members heartily endorsed the proposal.
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