Starting with the 2014-15 school year, students in Lapeer Community Schools (LCS) will have the opportunity to participate in a cutting-edge STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum that promotes critical thinking and creativity.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM education in the United States. PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed by teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators to hone the real-world problem solving skills in students. PLTW courses will be delivered to students at the District’s Center for Innovation – West Campus, starting in Fall 2014.

LCS will host two informational meetings in January to showcase this program and other academic offerings coming in 2014-15. Zemmer Middle School will host the first at 6 p.m. on January 8. The second meeting will be at 6 p.m. on January 28 at Lapeer East High School.

“PTLW will give students more than just a glimpse into the future; it will help prepare them to not only compete, but thrive in the new economy,” said LCS Superintendent Matt Wandrie. “The project-based model is proven to increase student engagement and achievement, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this to our students moving forward.”
PLTW is designed to build a foundation of understanding at the middle level that prepares students for more rigor once they enter high school.

“This program ensures that preparation for college, and beyond, starts in sixth grade – not when our students enter high school,” Wandrie said. “It also works hand-in-hand with our existing dual enrollment program as well as our catalog of advanced placement courses.”

Wandrie said the results being delivered at PLTW schools are significant.

“Students who have been through the program are studying engineering and technology at five and, in some cases, 10 times the average rate of all students,” Wandrie said. “Those students are at a decided advantage relative to the most vital and in-demand career fields in the 21st century.”

For more information, visit LapeerSchools.org to download a program overview.