This three year model program will assist a significant portion of the estimated 2,000 high school biology teachers in the Texas Gulf Coast Region, to implement biotechnology concepts in their Introductory Biology classrooms. The model to be employed, the Texas Biotechnology Teacher Enhancement Program (BTEP) model, consists of extensive training of previous four day workshop participants in three-week summer institutes; coupled with a collaborative network of scientists from the private sector, Texas A&M Research and Extension Centers and cooperating institutions: a broad based Advisory Board; and a highly skilled staff which will carry out a carefully designed implementation support process and project data collection. Upon successful implementation in their classrooms, selected institute participants will lead awareness and four day workshop activities in their local areas, with support from local Research and Extension Centers and cooperating institutions. Specifically, 1,200 Biology I teachers will attend awareness sessions (1-2 hours), 440 Biology I teachers will participate in four day workshops, and 90 Biology I teachers will participate in three three-week summer institutes (held at Texas A&M and other regional sites). Cost sharing equals 14.8% of the NSF award.
