Gateway To Technology® School of Excellence Self-Assessment

Middle/Junior High Schools interested in the School of Excellence program will be asked to complete a self-assessment that will focus on the Gateway To Technology® program in the school. The following provides an outline of the categories and descriptors. Middle/Junior High Schools will be asked to indicate if they meet or do not meet the quality standards in the PLTW® program and provide information to support their ranking in the Comment section:

• 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/hands-on project-based-learning teaching methods 
• Equipment: Demonstrates effective use of equipment and supplies
• Partnership Team: Demonstrates involvement on the High School Partnership Team where one exists 
• Students: Demonstrates engagement, interest in the lessons/course; reflects diversity 
• Math Requirements: Demonstrates that all students in PLTW® courses are enrolled in the school's required math courses 
• Teachers: Demonstrates that all teachers have been trained at a National Training Center 
• Teaching Methods: Demonstrates that all teachers are using teaching methods learned at the National Training Center 
• Fostering Program: Demonstrates a commitment to fostering an interest in math, science, and technology by offering Gateway To Technology® and in providing a transition into the Gateway To Technology® high school program, where one exists