MONROE - Monroe High School students may be able to explore engineering careers before entering college under a new program the school district is pursuing.
The school board Monday approved pursuing a grant to establish Project Lead The Way at MHS. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students by forming partnerships between the private sector, public schools and higher education institutions, according to the PLTW Web site.
Dan Saunders, head of MHS' Technology and Engineering department, said PLTW is a rigorous curriculum, and participating schools are expected to follow strict guidelines when using the curriculum.
"It's more than drafting. It's more than AutoCAD," he said, referring to the popular computer-assisted drafting software program.
In return, students get a better idea of what a career in engineering involves, he said. In some cases, they can gain college credits for taking PLTW classes in high school.
MHS is looking to begin the program for the 2010-11 school year. Saunders said the school would offer two sections of an introductory course first, with the goal of enrolling 40 to 46 students.
Saunders said he expects to hear in January if Monroe is selected for the grant.
Superintendent Larry Brown said there likely would be some cost to the district, which will depend on the amount of the PLTW grant. But no staff will need to be hired and the district already has the equipment needed to implement the program.
The board Monday also approved adding an Exceptional Behavioral Needs Assistant for Northside Elementary School. Joe Monroe, director of student services, said the aide will work with a student who has significant needs. While the district tried to use a long-term substitute to avoid hiring additional staff, Monroe said the student's needs are ongoing and recommended the district hire a 36-week, 35-hour-per-week position. The cost of the position is expected to be almost $40,000. The position will be paid for with funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The school board Monday approved pursuing a grant to establish Project Lead The Way at MHS. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students by forming partnerships between the private sector, public schools and higher education institutions, according to the PLTW Web site.
Dan Saunders, head of MHS' Technology and Engineering department, said PLTW is a rigorous curriculum, and participating schools are expected to follow strict guidelines when using the curriculum.
"It's more than drafting. It's more than AutoCAD," he said, referring to the popular computer-assisted drafting software program.
In return, students get a better idea of what a career in engineering involves, he said. In some cases, they can gain college credits for taking PLTW classes in high school.
MHS is looking to begin the program for the 2010-11 school year. Saunders said the school would offer two sections of an introductory course first, with the goal of enrolling 40 to 46 students.
Saunders said he expects to hear in January if Monroe is selected for the grant.
Superintendent Larry Brown said there likely would be some cost to the district, which will depend on the amount of the PLTW grant. But no staff will need to be hired and the district already has the equipment needed to implement the program.
The board Monday also approved adding an Exceptional Behavioral Needs Assistant for Northside Elementary School. Joe Monroe, director of student services, said the aide will work with a student who has significant needs. While the district tried to use a long-term substitute to avoid hiring additional staff, Monroe said the student's needs are ongoing and recommended the district hire a 36-week, 35-hour-per-week position. The cost of the position is expected to be almost $40,000. The position will be paid for with funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.