Who is Ford PAS for

Ford PAS will appeal not only to students who are already interested in careers such as engineering, business, and technology, but also to students who may not think they would like, or be qualified for these and other challenging, rewarding careers. Each Ford PAS module has certain academic prerequisites which are listed in the Module Overview of each Teacher Guide and on the Ford PAS Web site. In general, students are expected to be reading at grade level and have completed Algebra I. However, the program was developed with the assumption that all students could benefit from the Ford PAS learning experiences and, in fact, has shown success with certain at-risk students.

What is the Ford PAS approach to teaching and learning

Ford PAS uses a hands-on, project- and inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. Rather than introducing students to facts, definitions, and terminology and then allowing students to solve related problems, Ford PAS modules pose issues for students to explore. Students then acquire information and develop skills in the context of investigating those issues, both individually and in groups, with guidance from the teacher. Students apply the knowledge, skills, and understanding that they acquire through the module’s learning experiences to carry out long-term projects and create end products that demonstrate their learning. For teachers who are unfamiliar with this approach, Ford PAS recommends professional development related to project-based and inquiry-based learning. Beginning summer 2006, Ford PAS will offer professional development institutes focused on these and other aspects of the Ford PAS approach. Go to the homepage of the Ford PAS Web site for specific information about current professional development opportunities.

How is West Bloomfield involved

West Bloomfield has enjoyed the benefits of a partnership with Ford PAS for several years now, and this has become a flagship program within the district. Over the past few years we have had over 600 students exposed to the Ford PAS program in business, history, and engineering classes. The Ford PAS program is a highly valued program for the school district, with meaningful activities for the students that provide a sense of accomplishment.This program clearly prepares students for Career Focused Education in Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering. The foundation for success with Ford PAS has been established. The West Bloomfield school district will continue to pursue recruitment of additional students and teachers enrolling in the Ford PAS curriculum.

West Bloomfield Education Foundation Grant

Ford PAS Females in Engineering

Background

With an increasing gap between engineering school graduates and the engineering positions that need to be filled, there has been a successful drive to bring the basics of engineering to the High School level. West Bloomfield High School offers three Engineering Concepts and Design (ECD) courses, through which the students learn about real world engineering skills in a progression of   Ford PAS courses. In collaboration with the current Ford PAS program, West Bloomfield high school received a grant to focus on  females in the  engineering program.

The field of engineering is the key to a successful and fulfilling career  for many qualified women engineers. West Bloomfield will offer these Ford PAS students meaningful field trips, access to female role models, and a supportive environment. The intended outcome is greater gender equality in our engineering programs in our schools. This will  allow high school female students to discover their potential and  pursue a career in engineering.

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