Project Lead The Way
Universal Design of Learning
What is PLTW?
PLTW Program Information
The Getting Started Guide provides information on each of PLTW’s three programs:
- Gateway To Technology (GTT) -- middle schools
- Pathway To Engineering (PTE) -- high schools
- Biomedical Sciences Program (BMS) -- high schools
History and Impact
PLTW launched in 1997 in 12 high schools in upstate New York as a program designed to address the shortage of engineering students at the college level. The non-profit organization has experienced steady growth over the years. In the 2012-13 school year, more than 4,700 middle and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs.
RESULTS
• PLTW alumni are studying engineering and technology at five to 10 times the average rate of all students.
• PLTW students have a higher retention rate in college engineering, science, and related programs than other students in those areas.
• 97% of PLTW seniors intend to pursue a four-year degree or higher, whereas the national average is 67%.
• 80% of PLTW seniors say they will study engineering, technology, or computer science in college, whereas the national average is 32%.
• PLTW students achieve significantly higher scores in reading, mathematics, and science than Career and Technical Education (CTE) students in the same schools in similar CTE fields.
Where is PLTW under UDL?
PLTW program integrates multiple means of action & expression by engaging students in the variety curriculum activities.
PLTW provide multiple means of engagement by giving an option to the students to come up with their own project ideas.
Educator's Worksheet for UDL Guidelines.
UDL Guidelines – Educator Worksheet - v. 2
I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation:
Your notes
1. Provide options for perception
1.1 Offer ways of customizing the display of information Yes
1.2 Offer alternatives for auditory information Yes
1.3 Offer alternatives for visual information Yes
2. Provide options for language, mathematical expressions, and symbols
2.1 Clarify vocabulary and symbols yes
2.2 Clarify syntax and structure
2.3 Support decoding of text, mathematical notation, and symbols yes
2.4 Promote understanding across language yes
2.5 Illustrate through multiple media yes
3. Provide options for comprehension
3.1 Activate or supply background knowledge yes
3.2 Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships yes
3.3 Guide information processing, visualization, and manipulation yes
3.4 Maximize transfer and generalization yes
II. Provide Multiple Means for Action and Expression:
Your notes
4. Provide options for physical action
4.1 Vary the methods for response and navigation yes
4.2 Optimize access to tools and assistive technologies yes
5. Provide options for expression and communication
5.1 Use multiple media for communication Yes
5.2 Use multiple tools for construction and composition Yes
5.3 Build fluencies with graduated levels of support for practice and performance yes
6. Provide options for executive functions
6.1 Guide appropriate goal setting yes
6.2 Support planning and strategy development
6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources
6.4 Enhance capacity for monitoring progress yes
III. Provide Multiple Means for Engagement:
Your notes
7. Provide options for recruiting interest
7.1 Optimize individual choice and autonomy Yes
7.2 Optimize relevance, value, and authenticity Yes
7.3 Minimize threats and distractions
8. Provide options for sustaining effort and persistence
8.1 Heighten salience of goals and objectives yes
8.2 Vary demands and resources to optimize challenge yes
8.3 Foster collaboration and community
8.4 Increase mastery-oriented feedback
9. Provide options for self-regulation
9.1 Promote expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation yes
9.2 Facilitate personal coping skills and strategies
9.3 Develop self-assessment and reflection yes
© CAST 2011