As a nation, the United States is facing a critical shortage of engineers and engineering technologists in most areas. American competitiveness, prosperity, and national defense in a world economy depend on innovative engineers and technologists to solve problems creatively and effectively. The numbers of job openings are increasing due to the expansion of employment opportunities in technical fields, and increasing numbers of engineers retiring.
To address this shortage, Project Lead The Way® (PLTW) was formed; a national program designed to increase rigor and relevance in our schools, as well as the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our education system. There are two PLTW programs in secondary education:
Gateway To Technology (GTT in Middle School), and
Pathway to Engineering (Specific courses in High School).
Currently, Tanglewood offers GTT in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. As more students are exposed to the principles of engineering and problem solving in Middle/High School, more may consider engineering as a possible career option.
One of the most effective ways to achieve rigor and relevance is through the use of Activities, Project, & Problem-Based learning (APPB learning), which is the focus of the PLTW programs. Students work through the design process individually, with partners, or in small teams. Like adults trying to solve a problem, students must utilize their experience and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics.