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Hope Schools (Bartholomew Co.) OK pre-engineering class

BY CHRISSY ALSPAUGH calspaugh@therepublic.com

HOPE — Hauser High School will offer its first preengineering Project Lead the Way class this fall.

Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Board on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement to allow about 20 students in Grades 8 through 12 to sign up for PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design.

School officials hope to add one PLTW class for each of the following two school years.

School officials say the technical and workplace literacy program combines rigorous, relevant curricula with project- and problem-based instruction to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math instruction.

Hauser will receive $75,000 over three years for associated computers, software and teacher training from the Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015, or EcO15, initiative. With funding from Lilly Endowment, EcO15 is funding educational programs in advanced manufacturing, health care services and hospitality and tourism for 10 southeast Indiana counties.

Bud Kincaid, Bartholomew County’s EcO15 coordinator, said more than 230 Hoosier schools offer PLTW classes, ranking Indiana second nationwide for the advanced technical and vocational offerings.

Kincaid said EcO15 also hopes to implement complementary Gateway to Technology programs in area middle schools.

Hauser officials plan to begin the program in the 2010-2011 school year.

Principal Kim Harsh said PLTW classes will create some ongoing costs: at least $3,500 in annual software licensing and $2,100 in teacher training per course.

The district is looking into Department of Workforce Development grants.

Also Tuesday, the board:

Heard a preliminary report that the district made commendable progress, based on ISTEP-Plus performance and improvement as measured by the 2008 Indiana Public Law 221. Official results will be released after March 20.

Approved a mowing bid of about $1,496 per month, which could change depending on the number of required mows.

Manufacturing education
THEN: Lilly Endowment in December 2007 awarded a $38 million grant to improve advanced manufacturing, health care services and hospitality and tourism education in southeast Indiana.

NOW: Hauser High School will receive $75,000 from EcO15 to begin offering pre-engineering Project Lead the Way classes, as part of Bartholomew County’s initiatives.

 NEXT: EcO15 officials hope to expand advanced manufacturing education to the local middle schools.