Taft Early Learning Center Principal Mark LaBossiere is pleased to announce that the school has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished School.
Taft Early Learning Center is one of 535 elementary schools recognized as Launch Distinguished Schools. This national honor recognizes schools that provide broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW programs.
The school had to meet several criteria, such as offering and enrolling students in at least one PLTW Launch module in each grade during the 2022-23 school year and having at least 75% of students participate in at least one PLTW Launch module during the 2022-23 school year. Read more about the criteria here.
Taft Early Learning Center’s Lab was recognized for empowering students to thrive in an evolving world and achieving exemplary results from the program.
What is STEAM Lab? “STEM” represents science, technology, engineering, and math. “STEAM” represents STEM plus the arts. The key component of STEM and STEAM is the integration of all of the subjects. Instead of teaching disciplines in independent subjects (like Math and Science), lessons are well-rounded and are project and inquiry-based. STEM and STEAM align with the way we work and solve problems in our daily lives. With STEM, students learn skills the way they will be used in the workforce and the real world. For example, picture an architect who uses science, math, engineering and technology to do their jobs. The subjects are woven together in practical and seamless ways, allowing the architect to design complex buildings.
STEAM Lab teacher Amanda Gallerani said, “Our learning environment is used in the real world, and our approach is pragmatic. It is a style that shows our students how they can use what they learn outside of school. Our educational success, the appeal to students, and this new national recognition show we are on the right path.”
“Part of our mission is to ensure our students become progressive learners, innovative problem-solvers and flexible thinkers. The STEAM Lab is a perfect example of how we achieve that goal, and I am so proud of them.”, said Superintendent Michael Baldassarre.
PLTW also provides professional development opportunities and continued support to teachers. Learn more about PLTW here.
About Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the country. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning.