Our Solutions Approachsm is embodied by five key actions: Listen, Innovate, Design, Align and Deliver. These case studies demonstrate in detail how each step in model occurred.

Case Study 3: PLTW - Curriculum Analysis for Quality Assurance

Project Lead The Way, Inc. approached Vivayic, Inc. to review the rigor of selected courses within the existing curriculum as a neutral third party. The project contributes to one of their organization’s strategic goals: "implementing a continuous improvement process to update and maintain the Project Lead The Way curriculum to meet national college readiness and national learning standards."

After a review of sample course materials, Vivayic proposed several options for conducting an analysis of the courses’ cognitive rigor. Webb’s (1997) Depth of Knowledge was chosen as the base metric for the proposed analyses. This particular model was selected among many alternatives because of its "fit" with the particular research question posed. The result, a targeted and informative analysis plan that met the client’s stated needs.

Members of the Vivayic team created an adapted version of the Depth of Knowledge model to match those terms and phrases used in engineering education. From there, the team assigned each of the course objectives to one of the four Depth of Knowledge levels. Rigorous checks for inter-rater reliability team were conducted to ensure the consistency of the coding system used. Straight-forward data analysis with easy-to-read and understand charts and conclusions are a highlight of the finished product.

Following the design of the initial report, Project Lead The Way, Inc. staff had time to review the report and identify changes to ensure it matched their particular audience. The Vivayic team made changes as needed, while protecting the integrity of the data report conclusions. Through the alignment process, the Project Lead The Way, Inc. staff also recognized a need to conduct a secondary analysis regarding the rigor of course objectives emphasizing math and science. The Vivayic team responded by conducting the needed analysis as an appendix to the initial report.

The Introduction to Engineering Design™ Depth of Knowledge analysis was delivered on–time and within the initial budget established. The additional appendix regarding math and science content in the course was also delivered on time as promised. This report will be used to inform the instructional designers involved in the revision process and the stakeholders regarding the rigor promoted throughout the Project Lead The Way® curriculum.