Steps to PLTW Biomedical Science Implementation
Last updated April 2013
The following is information that will be helpful in planning the steps required to register your school for the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program. Be sure to check the PLTW Getting Started page for specific information on how to register your school district and schools for the Biomedical Science Program.
Steps to a successful implementation – Winter 2013
- Visit the PLTW website.
- Visit the WSU Spokane PLTW website.
- Visit PLTW schools in the area.
- Complete the New Program Registration for the districts and schools.
- Review the purchasing manual for equipment and supplies needs to create a multiyear budget. Be sure to do an inventory of what you have in place that could reduce your initial start up costs.
Steps to successful implementation – Spring 2013
- Have the superintendent, or the appointed person, complete the STEM agreement sent to you by PLTW. This sets up the process for teachers to be able to register for the summer Core Training Institutes.
- Identify your School District Delegate who will be responsible for communication with PLTW.
- For Washington schools: Submit CTE Course Application (CIP Code 260102 – Principles of the Biomedical Sciences) to OSPI by April 15.
- Identify teachers for Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Intervention and/or Biomedical Innovation for fall 2013 and have your teachers review the Summer Core Training Institute schedule of courses and dates. Go to the PLTW universities page to find more detailed information regarding specific university training sessions.
- The national summer Core Training schedules will be posted to the PLTW website after the first of the year allowing teachers to begin to plan for their summer training. The registration for the summer Core Training Institute will begin on the PLTW website on April 1, 2013. Historically, the two-week training classes fill very quickly, so teachers should have their preferences in mind in order to secure their preferred training site and date. Districts can reserve seats for training at WSU Spokane prior to April 1 by sending the name of the teacher(s) to Pam Medley (see contact information below).
- Teachers must successfully complete Readiness Training designed to prepare them for Core Training relative to course tools, content and concepts necessary for success.
- Purchase supplies and equipment using the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Purchasing Manual.
Steps to a successful Implementation – Summer 2013
- Teachers attend PLTW Summer Core Training Institutes.
- Check lab/classroom to ensure all equipment and supplies have been ordered, received, labeled and put in place.
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- If you have questions regarding implementation or would like to visit PLTW Biomedical Science classrooms, please feel free to contact either the Mead School District in Mead, WA (509-465-6000) or Toppenish High School in Toppenish, WA (509-865-3370).
- If you have specific questions regarding the national PLTW program, school agreements, program implementation, and/or program costs including sustainability, please contact Shep Siegel, PLTW Director of School Engagement, WA and AK. Email:ssiegel@pltw.org. Phone: 206-619-8806.
- Please feel free to contact Sylvia Oliver, PLTW Affiliate Director, with assistance regarding the summer Core Training Institutes, the four-course BMS curriculum, or assistance with grant writing. E-mail: olivers@wsu.edu, Phone: 509-358-7635, Cell: 509-220-3901.
- To register for the 2013 Core Training Institutes held at WSU Spokane, please contact: Pam Medley, Affiliate Assistant, E-mail: pmedley@wsu.edu, Phone: 509-358-7736.
National Certification
National Certification ensures implementation of high quality programs and verifies college credit eligibility for BMS courses. Schools planning to offer the four BMS courses are eligible for PLTW certification and may begin the process for certification at the end of the second year of implementation. The following link provides information on Steps to Certification.
Benefits for Schools
* Students have the opportunity to receive college-level recognition such as college credit, scholarships, and admissions preference. More information on universities that offer college recognition can be found here.
* PLTW teachers may apply to become Master Teachers and receive benefits such as compensation for professional development, opportunities to field test new curriculum prior to the release to the entire network, and field testing results input.
* Schools are eligible to apply for Model School status; an elite group of schools at the forefront of STEM education.
* Depending on state guidelines, schools have increased potential to receive funding.
* Greater visibility for the program within the school and community.
