New Engineering Program to Open Next Year

By Faith Ajayi

McKinley is adding a new CTE track to its formal three, and that is engineering. Chancellor Michelle Rhee designated McKinley as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, and Math) school along with some other selected elementary, middle, and high schools in the District of Columbia. This is among the new programs that Chancellor Rhee and Deputy Mayor for Education, Victor Reinoso implemented. The goal is to boost academic achievement in the district's poor performing public schools.

McKinley already has science, technology, and math majors. Only engineering is missing from STEM requirements. This is why Principal Pinder decided to implement this program to the schedule. "Research shows that kids perform better when they have relevant courses that bring the core subjects to life. Engineering brings math to life, mass communications brings English to life, biotechnology brings math and the sciences to life," said Pinder. McKinley will be the lead STEM school in the district.

One of the current issues facing administrators about the new engineering program is availability of teachers and classrooms. "Engineering is a lab type class and we need electronic lab space as well as computer lab space," said Mr. Kenneth Lesley, currently a math teacher who will be the director of the engineering strand. Lesley was an engineer before changing careers to become a teacher. One of the solutions to the lack of labs is to start offering classes in the A-wing. Students are currently taking all their classes in the B-wing. Renovating and opening the A-wing depends on the availability of funds. The administrators are currently negotiating the possibility of securing necessary funds with the city government.

Another solution is to drop some less significant classes. "We're condensing Broadcast so it will be Mass Communications instead. We're also condensing some electives and making them after school programs instead so that there'll be room," said Pinder.

The availability of teachers is not a major difficulty. "We will be teaching a curriculum called 'Project Lead the Way' and I would need to hire teachers who are trained and certified in this program," said Lesley.

The engineering program will benefit students interested in taking any technical program in college by giving them the necessary preparations for success.

By Anna Kinsman |  May 2, 2008; 10:02 AM ET News
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