Business and Public Officals FAQ

frequently asked questions for business & public officials

What is the role of business/industry in PLTW?

One of the commitments schools make in becoming part of the PLTW Network is forming the Partnership Team (PT) composed of mentors/coaches/advisors from business/industry, colleges, and the community. The PT meets several times a year and assists the teachers in the program to solve operational problems with the curriculum…(More)

May business provide internships for students in PLTW courses?

Yes. The fifth course in PLTW has an engineering research component which requires a community sponsor and mentor. Students work in teams to solve an open-ended problem which could be completed out of school. Because the role of business/industry in this project-oriented course is that of serving as a mentor in student teams, the relationship of mentors is collegial and supportive….(More)

Fast Facts For:

General FAQ

Schools

Counselors

Parents & Students

Colleges & Universities

Teachers

End Of Course Exams

	Can business provide equipment and supplies to participating schools? Yes. The list of supplies/equipment used in the PLTW program may be viewed by reviewing the equipment list on this website. One of the challenges schools face is equipping the lab to support the implementation of the curriculum. Schools have an option of acquiring equipment/supplies all in one year or phased in over 4 years or less. Business/industry can work in partnership with schools in acquiring equipment. 100% of this investment will go directly to the schools and students in the program.
	Is there a way for business to have its employees trained on some of the equipment used in the PLTW program? The PLTW program utilizes the latest software. Teachers are trained at a high level of proficiency in using this software and often teach industry-specific training programs in the evenings for community and business/industry. Sometimes, community colleges rent high school facilities and hire the high school PLTW teacher as an adjunct community college instructor.
	How can business encourage schools not presently in the program to become involved? Making a change in a school is often a difficult process. Sometimes an important catalyst is direct involvement of the community in supporting such a change as the PLTW program. There are many instances where business/industry have learned about PLTW and have sponsored informational meetings and direct support to encourage this important program. This involvement usually occurs directly with the district office.
	What role might government play in the PLTW program? Government and PLTW share a core of interests which unite us in meeting our country's educational needs. This core includes the following…(More)