A Partnership for Excellence in Engineering Technology Education

This project represents a partnership between the York County Area Vocational-Technical School, the York City Schools, Penn State University (at its York, Harrisburg and University Park Campuses), regional industry and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The partnership is developing a comprehensive model for technological education for 11th grade through the associate degree level with possible extension to the baccalaureate level. The model focuses on manufacturing curriculum and educational processes. It will produce integrated and interdisciplinary topical modules, teaching materials and resources for seven courses. The modules will be developed collaboratively by teachers and faculty. The modules, which will focus on technical topics, will be developed within the context of teacher/faculty workshops on enhanced pedagogical techniques. Use of the modules will reinforce technical topics within the high school curriculum and bring enhanced teaching techniques to the college curriculum. All educational levels will see better integration of topics and clearly understand the interdependence of mathematics, science, and technology.The project anticipates substantial dissemination to secondary and postsecondary faculty at other Penn State locations, and then to faculty across the state and nation. The project plan will capitalize on and integrate a variety of current efforts to coordinate technological education in the state and region.