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Core Training (CT) Lovingly referred to as Project Lead The Way’s (PLTW) “boot camp”, this intense training focuses on the PLTW teaching model and course content. CT is designed to empower teachers with the confidence, understanding, and knowledge necessary to teach the curriculum. A teacher is only able to teach a course after successful completion of CT. Summer Training Institute (STI) is a type of CT offered at a National Affiliate during the summer.
CT is an 80 hour instructional program that covers major course concepts and methods. In order for participants to be successful in CT and within their own classroom it is recommended that participants understand the expectations below.
The accelerated, rigorous, and diversified nature of CT creates the potential for participants to feel overwhelmed, which has lead to their inability to complete training. To ensure that participants devote their full attention to the mastery of coursework and work collaboratively on project assignments; it is strongly recommended that participants stay on campus for the duration of the CT. Most participants find living on campus to be an enriching experience and take advantage of the focused environment, free from the rest of life’s other distractions.
Aside from the time spent for in class instruction, participants should plan to spend multiple hours of homework each night, as well as over the weekend, if they plan on successfully completing CT. The time required to complete CT assignments will vary based upon each participant’s knowledge of the topic and previous experience. Staying on campus allows teachers to work together during the evening and to have access to additional help that is provided by the CTI. Due to the accelerated duration of CT, the only time for additional assistance will be in the evenings.
All participants at CT are required to maintain a portfolio of activities, projects and problems as assigned by the Core Training Instructors (CTI). The CTI will periodically review and sign-off on completed portions of the portfolio over the duration of CT.
The course portfolio is a collection of the selected coursework that is assigned during CT and provides evidence that the participant has successfully completed the material. A CTI will only initial each activity when they determine that the participant demonstrates adequate competency with the particular subject matter - not merely because it is complete.
CT provides a comprehensive overview of the course content, and is not inclusive of the full scope and breadth of the course. Due to the limited time constraints, CT only provides an introduction to select activities, projects, and problems within the course. In preparation to teach the course, it is the responsibility of the participant to continue to familiarize themselves with the entire course curriculum upon completion of Core Training.
All teachers are encouraged to visit the PLTW Virtual Academy to access the curriculum and supplementary online lessons.
To ensure a successful CT experience, all participants are encouraged to review the following list of expectations.
- arrive on opening day, usually a Sunday, with a laptop that meets or exceeds PLTW computer specifications, as outlined in the Computer Requirements document, to load appropriate software and to establish network access
- arrive on time at all daily class sessions (attendance will be taken twice daily)
- actively participate in classroom instruction
- complete all required assignments and to assemble a portfolio
- attend evening sessions, as necessary (most enrichment activities are optional unless your instructor indicates otherwise)
- turn all cell phones and pagers off during class instruction, unless absolutely necessary and then please set to vibrate. Only critical calls should be answered, and then outside of the classroom
- treat all participants and instructors professionally and with respect
Participants should understand that it is their responsibility to successfully complete a course portfolio and to become competent in the full scope of the specific PLTW curriculum, prior to instructing any students.
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