Project Lead The Way

Pennsylvania

 


Certification

Revised 12/8/2006
 

What is Certification?

Certification is a process that determines if a Project Lead The Way school is implementing the Project Lead The Way program in accordance with the understandings of the Agreement signed when entering the program.  Certification is a tool that is used by PLTW schools to strengthen the commitment to on-going quality of the Project Lead The Way program.  Certification is a requirement of Project Lead The Way; it is not optional.

What are the benefits of Certification?

Certification allows students to receive college credit for the Project Lead The Way courses they completed during their high school years.  Students must have successfully completed the college credit exam (known as Part C) in a course to apply for college credit.  College credit is not  granted to students from non-certified schools.

If a student wishes to apply for credit at Penn State, their PLTW high school teacher shall send a signed letter, on high school letterhead, with the course name, student name, student course grade, and the student score on the Part C exam to PLTW Affiliate Director at Penn State - Berks.  The scores will be reviewed by Penn State's Associate Professor for Project Lead The Way who will assign a letter grade and make recommendations if required.  When the student registers at Penn State, they must apply for college credit using the Credit by Exam form.  See the Registrar for more details.

What does Project Lead The Way look for in the Certification process?

  • Administration: Demonstrates support for the program and course requirements

  • Counselors: Demonstrates knowledge of the program; attends yearly conferences

  • Curriculum/software: Demonstrates implementation of the PLTW curriculum/teaching methods

  • Equipment/Laptop: Demonstrates effective use of equipment and supplies

  • Partnership Team: Demonstrates community involvement: clear goals and accomplishments

  • Students: Demonstrates engagement, interest in the lessons/course; reflects diversity

  • Math Requirements: Demonstrates that all students in PLTW courses are enrolled in the required math courses

  • Portfolio: Demonstrates portfolios are consistent with requirements

  • Teachers: Demonstrates that all teachers have been trained at the National Training Center

  • Teaching Methods: Demonstrates that all teachers are using teaching methods learned at the National Training Center

What are the steps required for certification?

For full information about certification, please go to the PLTW Certification Webpage.

We have completed the Self-Assessment; what's next?

Once you have completed and mailed your Self-Assessment, allow a minimum of two weeks for processing.  Next you should plan for a site visit by the PLTW school certification team.  Review the section in the document titled Certification Process for more details on the site visit, who needs to be involved, and what the team will be reviewing.

Questions?  Please contact your Affiliate Director with any questions you have or that may arise while you are preparing for certification.

Final Step after achieving Certification?  Celebrate!!