Posted: Nov. 16, 2009

Greenfield — A national engineering program that has picked up steam in southeastern Wisconsin may be on its way to the Greenfield School District.

The School Board last week gave preliminary approval to implementing Project Lead the Way, which stresses hands-on learning and real-world projects and encourages students to enter a career in the math and science fields.

The first class, principals of engineering, would be taught in the 2010-11 school year. By 2012, Project Lead the Way units would be taught at Greenfield Middle School.

Program for the real world

PLTW allows students to apply skills learned in a real-world context, identify a problem and work to develop possible solutions, Program Vice President Niel Tebbano said.

Through the program, one student in New York created a cell phone that could start her car in winter and then call her when the car was warmed up, Tebbano said.

Another student in Texas developed a jacket that could become a life preserver for fishermen who normally wouldn't wear one because it's too bulky.

Both students got a patent and a college scholarship.

Stepping up

The board's vote on Nov. 9 came after district officials completed roughly two dozen steps they took in researching the program and applying for grants.

The program has rapidly gained popularity in Wisconsin and is established in more than 200 state schools. During their research, Greenfield administrators visited some area schools - including Pewaukee, Greendale, Brown Deer and South Milwaukee - and heard from others considering it.

Nearly every Woodland Conference school has the program or is working toward getting it, High School Principal Darin Fahrney said.

"It's getting to be more the norm in our area versus the exception," he told board members.

Superintendent Conrad Farner said the district needs to add programs like this one because, among other reasons, pressure is mounting from federal and state government officials to local business leaders to produce high-quality students.

"What we're doing right now, we're not satisfied," Farner said. "The status quo isn't good enough. Our students aren't doing as well as we want them to."

Gauging stress levels

However, board member Rick Moze said he fielded several calls from uneasy teachers and questioned whether everyone at the high school was on board with the idea.

"They kind of felt this was being rammed down their throat," he said.

John Thomsen, director of secondary education, noted the year and a half officials spent meeting with community members, staff and Project Lead the Way representatives.

"Whether or not everyone is on board, I'm not sure everyone is," Thomsen said. "But I think it's important we bring forward a program that's going to help prepare our students for what's out there after high school."

Generating money

Project Lead the Way would be paid for through grants and some district funds.

District officials do not yet know if they will receive a $15,000 grant from the Waukesha-based Kern Family Foundation; if Greenfield is not accepted, the School Board may revisit the issue.