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Getting Started

Welcome to Getting Started with PLTW!

Registration

New program registration opens in the fall for the next school year's implementation and closes in late spring.

Please review the information on this page before registering your district through PLTW’s online registration process.

Registration is currently open. 

PLTW Program Information

PLTW works with schools and districts to support the implementation of effective Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education programs.

The Guide to Getting Started provides information on each of PLTW’s three programs:

The PLTW curriculum is provided at no charge to schools. Classroom equipment, including computer software, kits for hands-on activities, other supplies, and required Professional Development are the main costs associated with implementation. For more information on the cost of the PLTW program for your district, please contact your Regional Director.

If you wish to visit a PLTW school, use our School Locator and search for schools by state, zip code or name.

PLTW School Grant Program

Funds awarded under this program are intended to assist schools implementing PLTW programs by partially offsetting the cost of required classroom equipment and Professional Development. More information.

Steps for Implementation

The steps below briefly outline the basic steps to implementing a PLTW program at your school. We encourage you to download The Guide for Implementation & Sustainability of PLTW Programs, which is designed to help administrators, school district delegates, teachers and counselors plan for the successful implementation and sustainability of their PLTW program(s). It is intended to be used in conjunction with the Getting Started Guide.

1. Select a School District Delegate
The Delegate is the main point of contact between PLTW and the school district, and is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of contact information and program implementations for participating schools.

2. Register the school district*
The school district and participating schools must be registered with PLTW through the online registration process. Upon registration the Delegate automatically receives an email with a link to the PLTW STEM Agreement. View a sample PLTW STEM Agreement and the accompanying PLTW STEM Program Requirements.

3. Review the agreement
Review the agreement with your school board, superintendent, and legal department to make sure all parties are fully aware of district and school responsibilities. After the authorized signatures have been obtained, mail the original signed document to PLTW. The deadline to return the agreement is June 30. However, it's recommended to return the agreement by March 15 when Core Training registration opens so that teachers may reserve seats at the training sessions of their choice.

4. Identify appropriate teachers
Select teachers who are excited to teach a project-based learning curriculum, and meet the requirements set by PLTW. See the PLTW STEM Program Requirements for full details. Once selected, the Delegate registers each teacher through the PLTW Extranet database. Delegates will not receive login credentials until after the signed agreement has been returned to PLTW.

5. Teachers register for Core Training
After teachers have passed the appropriate pre-assessment, they can register for a Core Training session. Visit the Professional Development page for details.

6. Purchase required equipment and software
Review the PLTW Purchasing Manual and supporting resources to order items for your PLTW courses. To ensure your class/lab is fully equipped before the new school year, start the ordering process in early spring.

*Post-secondary institutions that would like more information about teaching PLTW courses should contact the School Support Team.

What’s Next?

The Program Support page features additional resources to support the sustainability of your PLTW program. Sections include:

  • Assessment & Evaluation
  • Counselor Conferences
  • Grow Your Program
  • Marketing Materials
  • Technical Support

In addition, delegates, teachers, and principals from registered schools receive updates and reminders through PLTW’s bi-weekly Action Bulletin email. View an archive of past issues.

Stay connected with PLTW through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Have Questions or Need Additional Information?

Please feel free to contact us at gettingstarted@pltw.org or 877-335-PLTW (7589).