Aycock program gets OK from Duke
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 24, 2008 1:45 PM
The pre-engineering program added at Charles B. Aycock High School this past school year has met the quality standards set by Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering.
During a recent visit by a team from Duke, the district was recognized for its commitment to ongoing teacher and counselor training during the school year.
CBA's Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering and Engineer-ing Technology Program was also lauded for demonstrating its commitment to having teacher training during the summer and using the latest computer software in the course offerings.
"A crucial element to the success of the program is regularly updating teacher skills and promoting counselor awareness of the latest (Project Lead the Way) initiatives for students," said Nancy Shaw of Pratt School of Engineering.
The certification process included a self-assessment of the program and the one-day site visit where a committee met with teachers, administrators, counselors, students, parents and community members, reviewing students' course portfolios.
During the first year of the program at CBA, 22 of its 27 students earned the opportunity to apply for college credit.
Steven Thorne, director of the school's Engineering Academy, noted that 26 of the 27 ninth-graders plan to return to the program in the fall. He is also expecting 30 new students to enroll next year.
Having a certified program will be a valuable addition to the district, Ms. Shaw said. Students at schools where there is a certified program can apply at a variety of national affiliate colleges and universities, she explained.
Project Lead the Way is a national program offered in over 900 schools in 42 states.
Aycock became the sixth school in the state to earn the program certification.