Academics
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
PLTW Engineering Students Become Tomorrow's Problem Solvers Today
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’ s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
Pathway To Engineering™, is a four year pre-engineering program integrated into the students’ core curriculum. The combination of traditional math and science courses with innovative Pathway To Engineering™ courses prepares students for college majors in engineering and technology fields and offers them the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.
The Pathway To Engineering™ program begins in the ninth grade and is completed in the twelfth grade. Enrollment is limited and selection is based on student interest, willingness to commit to a four year program, math and science middle school grades, and math placement scores. Math placement scores must be above 90% national percentile for the High School Placement Test with a math grade equivalent score above 9.5. Selected students will receive a letter of invitation with their letter of acceptance to Archbishop Spalding High School. Interested students and parents can attend a question and answer workshop.
Pathway To Engineering™ courses engage high school students through a combination of activities-based, project-based, and problem-based (APPB) learning. APPB learning not only creates an environment for applying engineering concepts to real problems, but also prepares students to:
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Solve problems
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Participate as part of a team
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Lead teams
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Speak to a public audience
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Conduct research
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Understand real-world impacts
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Analyze data
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Learn outside the classroom
The first course in the program is Introduction to Engineering Design. Students in the Pathway to Engineering™ program will also be expected to complete Principles of Engineering during their sophomore year, Digital Electronics during their junior year and Engineering Design & Development during their senior year.
