9:00am | Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the nation’s leading provider of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum, has announced its list of the 2010-11 Model Schools, the most coveted award the organization hands out annually. Long Beach Unified School District’s (LBUSD) own California Academy of Math and Science in Carson, became one of just 16 schools to receive the award this year out of the 4,200 eligible schools across the country.
The California Academy of Math and Science is home to the PLTW Pathways To Engineering (PTE) program, a program that opens students’ eyes to fields in engineering, design, manufacturing, electronics, and many more. PTE allows students to learn and apply the design process and discover the answers to questions like how things are made and what processes go into creating products. In short, it provides the student with access to technology and applications that are used in the current job market. They explore aerodynamics, astronautics and space life sciences. They design, test and actually construct circuits and devices such as smart phones and tablets. Through the PTE program, the California Academy of Math and Science provides rigorous, hands on STEM curriculum that inspires students, unlocks their potential, and prepares them for the competitive global marketplace.
2010-11 Model Schools were selected based on their strength in several key categories, including a robust program implementation, excellent postsecondary relationships, outstanding communications and outreach, solid professional development and a strong level of student engagement. A group of PLTW State Leaders and Affiliate Directors from across the country then evaluated each school based on unique program attributes. Schools with the greatest overall scores were selected as Model Schools.
“The California Academy of Mathematics and Science, with a highly diverse student population and a 95% college entrance rate, is a comprehensive high school integrating the PLTW Engineering curriculum throughout their rigorous and innovative college-preparatory curriculum,” said Judy D’Amico, PLTW western regional director. “The visionary leadership of the administration, along with the staff’s creative and powerful teaching, actively engages and supports students committed to becoming thoughtful and productive members of our global and technological world.”
Click here to view a map of the 2010-11 Model Schools.