Nixon explains plans for “Project Lead the Way”

Governor Jay Nixon is outlining his plans for a program that gives students hands-on learning experiences in schools.

Governor Nixon was in Columbia at Battle High School to talk to educators and administrators about the program.

Currently, the “Project Lead the Way” curriculum is in more than 30 elementary schools.

In one year, Nixon said he wants more than 300 schools to have the program.

Many of Missouri’s students will refocus on science and math studies through “Project Lead the Way.”

“We have modules that integrated math and science so teachers can bring in activities to make learning relative for students, where they understand what they’re learning today applies to real world problems,” said Nixon.

Nixon spoke to a packed auditorium of educators around Missouri.

“Project Lead the Way” is billed as a hands-on curriculum.

It’s for kindergarten through 12th grade and geared toward science, technology, engineering, and math.

Nixon said not enough of Missouri’s schools are using the program.

“We put in our budget matching grants for schools with a target of taking us from 34 elementary schools to have Project Lead the Way to one year from now, having 350,” he said.

Nixon said if Missouri wants to compete globally in the future, students are going to have to be proficient in math and science.

“Getting to students early and the Governor’s commitment now to make ‘Project Lead the Way’ available to 350 elementary schools; one it’s unprecedented across the country, and really puts Missouri in a leadership position,” said Vince Bertram of Project Lead the Way.

Nixon said less than 20% of undergrads in public universities are getting degrees in math and science fields.

He said the key is to expose kids at an early age to math and science careers.

Currently, “Project Lead the Way” programs are in more than 6,500 schools throughout the U.S.