1. Gateway To Technology Wauwatosa School District

2. Provide our middle school students access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) programming to become creative, innovative, and critical thinkers. Develop students who are able to identify and solve problems, effectively collaborate and communicate solutions, and become productive members of our increasingly global society. Meet District Development Plan (DDP) initiative number 10; The district will continue with the expansion of Project Lead The Way at both middle schools. Nat’l Science Board, President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Wisconsin Technology Council, Wisconsin DPI STEM Summit Sept 2010. Increase Rigor Rational/Need

3. Current Curriculum was retooled in 2000 with the addition of modular units through a lab station delivery model in the 8 th grade. 6th Grade course standard and benchmarks were written spring 2009. 2009-10 Gateway to Technology courses were discussed with possibility of future implementation as 7 th and 8 th grade content standards and benchmarks work to follow. Fall 2010-11 Tech Ed content team, content team leader, and Student Learning, further explored Gateway Courses and possible implementation design. Rational/Need

4. Currently, we do not offer an integrated STEM course offering at the middle school level. Supporting Data

5. GTT is an activity-orientated program designed to challenge and engage middle school students. Curriculum adds rigor to middle school experience. Provides early entry into to Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics career pathway. Students develop 21 st Century skills of innovation, collaboration, cooperation, and problem-solving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y00wuzCW-U4 Initial studies show that the middle school Gateway program facilitate the closing the achievement gap. Gateway To Technology Overview

6. Year 1 6 th Grade – 9 weeks wheel rotation (daily contact) Utilize current established curriculum (standards and benchmarks). 7 th Grade – Semester (daily contact) Design, Modeling, Automation and robotics (replacement for Exploring Manufacturing and Engineering) 8 th Grade – Semester (every other day contact) Design, Modeling, Automation and Robotics (replacement for Exploring Communication/Transportation Technology) Middle School Implementation

7. Year 2 6 th Grade – 9 weeks wheel rotation (daily contact) Utilize current established curriculum (standards and benchmarks). 7 th Grade – Semester (daily contact) Design, Modeling, Automation and robotics 8 th Grade – Semester (every other day contact) Flight, Space, Energy and the Environment Middle School Implementation

8. Take recommendations to curriculum council Jan 11 th. Present Proposal to BOE. January 24 th (tentative) Share offerings at middle parent nights. Feb 8 th & 9 th. Purchase equipment and materials (spring 2011) Teacher Training/Classes Summer 2011. Fall 2011 classes begin. Next Steps