Those in the know in Harford County education circles have known for over two years now that Bel Air High School is a special place for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Education. Now it’s officially known throughout the state and nation, as Bel Air High School is named one of two Maryland public schools recognized as 2010-2011 Project Lead the Way Model Schools in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education.
As one of 16 model schools from across the United States, Bel Air High School, will be a model school for implementing the curriculum developed by Project Lead the Way (PLTW). This curriculum is already used in over 4,200 schools nationwide and Bel Air High has been selected as a model school in implementing this curriculum. Bel Air High School houses Harford County's Biomedical Sciences Program.
"We are very proud of our model schools because we know that students are learning fundamental problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by participating in these demanding Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs of study. Partnerships with business and industry and postsecondary institutions are in place and actively supporting the schools. Students are graduating prepared for both college and STEM careers in the engineering and biomedical fields," -- Katharine Oliver, assistant state superintendent in the Division of Career and College Readiness
PLTW has developed a curriculum based on hands-on, project-based engineering courses for high schools and middle schools and biomedical sciences courses for high schools high schools. The program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success.
The curriculum, delivered through PLTW's Virtual Academy, is provided free of charge to schools that register with PLTW. Classroom equipment -- computer software and kits for hands-on activities -- along with teacher training, which is required, are the main costs related to the program.
The PLTW curriculum is founded in the fundamental problem-solving and critical-thinking skills taught in traditional career and technical education (CTE), but at the same time integrates national academic and technical learning standards and STEM principles.
STEM education is creating what U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan calls one of the "great models of the new CTE succeeding all across the country." PLTW was recently cited by the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a "model for 21st century career and technical education.”
Project Lead the Way is a non-profit organization providing programs that offer rigorous, hands-on STEM curriculum. Carroll County’s Career and Technology Center is the other Maryland school in the national group
Currently, Maryland is a leading state in model school designation for its Project Lead the Way programs. Four Maryland schools have been selected as model schools since the recognition was initiated in the 2007-08 school year. The first to receive the designation was Wheaton High School in Montgomery County in 2007-08. The other school to receive designation was Washington County Technical High School in Hagerstown in 2009-10.
"Maryland is a small state, so we are very proud that our schools are receiving national distinction as PLTW Model Schools," Sadusky said in the release. "I am pleased to add my congratulations to the leaders at both the district and school levels for their strong support and commitment to providing students with high quality CTE programs." -- Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky
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