Davenport Elementary Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Deanna Davenport Elementary School (DDE) announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the second consecutive year for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through the PLTW Launch program.
Davenport Elementary Principal Marta Strobach says that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. And, by exposing students to these subjects in the PLTW modules, they are giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, develop a passion for the sciences, and hopefully to pursue a job in a STEM field.
“Project Lead the Way in our school has sparked an interest in our students in pursuing a career in STEM,” Strobach said. “Moreover, teachers have grown and they have embraced the educational challenge of project-based instruction and have increased the use of technology in their daily instruction.”
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, DDE had to offer at least two PLTW Launch modules at each grade level and have more than 75 percent of the student body participating during the 2018-19 school year.
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like and think they are good at math and science. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
Strobach added that the program has helped their students minimize beliefs related to gender in jobs based on STEM expertise. And, the program has inspired their female population to participate in the science field and to be as competitive as the male participants.
“It is a great honor to recognize Davenport Elementary for their commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President, and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career-ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Project Lead the Way is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.