ANSWER:

On March 28, 2011, the Board of Education resolved “That beginning in the 2012–2013 school year, the Project Lead The Way Program at Wheaton High School be expanded into an application entrance program for students from the Downcounty Consortium and explore options for students from outside the Downcounty Consortium, who do not attend a school with the Project Lead The Way Program, to complete the Project Lead The Way Program at Wheaton High School.”

Wheaton High School and central office staff have been collaborating in the development of the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs that will admit students to Wheaton High School via an application entrance. The opportunity to apply to this program was included in all DCC communications this fall. The design of the program includes a cohort model of instruction in math, science, and engineering courses, similar in design to the Montgomery Blair High School Science, Computer Science, and Mathematics magnet program, but following the required courses of the PLTW Engineering and Biotechnology programs. Approximately 50 students will be admitted to the program for each grade level, beginning with Grade 9 in 2012-2013. To support the program MCPS plans to allocate a .6 teacher position to help coordinate the program. This person will work with the existing Wheaton High School Academy Coordinator and academy head teachers to help recruit and select students, develop and monitor unique instructional experiences, and ensure a high level instruction in program courses.