This project, sponsored by the Commonwealth Partnership, a partnership of twelve liberal arts colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, is a three year Biology initiative, starting April 1, 1991. The purpose of the initiative is to enhance student interest and achievement in science by promoting the professional development of secondary biology teachers through school/college collaboration. The initiative will (1) update teachers' knowledge of recent advances in biology; (2) engage teachers in laboratory investigations/research techniques; (3) help teachers improve instructional effectiveness; (4) foster collegial relationships biologists at secondary and college levels: (5) develop participants abilities to be professional leaders; and (6) support ongoing professional development programs. In the summer of 1991, 120 outstanding secondary biology teachers from Pennsylvania and surrounding states (DE, MD, NJ, OH, and WV) will attend 3-week residential institutes at five host campuses. Laboratory and classroom sessions will update and deepen participants' knowledge in cell and molecular biology. Applications sessions will focus on applying new materials and approaches in the classroom and on means of extending selected institute outcomes to over 3600 colleagues. Over the next two years, outreach activities and professional development programs will support classroom implementation and staff development activities at the local level. During the third year of the initiative, teams of participant master teachers will conduct seven extended workshops (nine days) for 140 secondary biology teachers, so as to provide an in-depth transfer of knowledge and experience gained through the program. An amount equal to 208% of NSF costs has been provided as cost sharing.
