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Ferguson-Florissant School District Receives Grant to Implement Innovative Computer Science Curriculum from Verizon and Project Lead The Way
Middle School students in Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) will soon have access to computer science courses that will give them an advantage in their education and future careers. The opportunity is made possible through a partnership between Verizon and Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers through K-12 pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. FFSD joins more than 9,000 schools across the U.S. in offering PLTW programs to students.
Berkeley Middle, Cross Keys Middle, Ferguson Middle and the STEAM Academy will be four of 150 middle schools across the country that will be awarded as part of a $3 million grant made possible by a partnership between Verizon and PLTW. This is an expansion of an initial $5 million partnership that began in 2014 between the two organizations to expand students’ access to computer science curriculum and help students develop the in-demand knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the rapidly advancing, technology-based economy.
“This is standardized, current, national curriculum that is industry supported,” said Jay Boleach, Career & Technical Education Coordinator at Ferguson-Florissant School District. “All of these skills can be translated into college and career readiness for our students in the district.”
PLTW’s middle school computer science units – App Creators and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers – are part of PLTW’s K-12 Computer Science pathway and are built on PLTW’s hands-on, project-based instructional approach. The units provide an opportunity for students to experience computer science in a relevant and engaging way, empowering them to solve problems using the powerful ideas behind computational thinking and setting them up for further computer science learning via PLTW’s 4-year Computer Science program in high school.
“Project Lead The Way is committed to preparing our nation’s next generation of problem–solvers and innovators to thrive in our evolving world,” said PLTW President and CEO Vince Bertram. “In partnership with Verizon, we are making an impact on the number of students who have access to high-quality computer science education and will be prepared for these growing career opportunities.”
The PLTW/Verizon grants will allow each school to implement one PLTW middle school computer science course in 2017-18, and a second course for the 2018-19 school year. Grant funds will also support teacher professional development and provide for classroom equipment including tablets and software.