Principal Mark LaBossiere has announced that the Taft Early Learning Center has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished School. 

The school is one of 535 elementary schools recognized by the program. It is a national honor that selects schools that provide broad access to learning opportunities for students through PLTW programs.

The Early Learning Center had to meet several criteria such as offering and enrolling students in at least one PLTW module during the 2022-23 school year. 

The school’s STEAM lab was recognized leading students to success in an evolving world and making great strides in learning through the program.

A STEAM lab is based on the STEM model, including science, technology , engineering and math. It also adds another domain –  the Arts. Both programs approach learning in an integrated way. Subjects such as math and science may be combined into a single, inquiry-based lesson.  

Through STEM and STEAM, students get a look into real world problem-solving.

“Part of our mission is to ensure that our students become progressive learners, innovative problem-solvers and flexible things, said schools Supreeintendetnt Michael Baldassare. “The STEAM lab is a perfect example of how we achieve that goal and I am so proud of them.”

PLTW also guides professional development opportunities and continued support to teachers.

Its approach empowers students as young as Pre-K to discover their interests and explore them, as well as imagining and designing solutions to real-world challenges in order to become independent, confident problem solvers.

The PLTW Launch program engages students in learning that fells like play and encourages constant discovery fostered by critical and creative thinking.