Project staff from the DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY plan to bring instruction in human and molecular genetics to 216 precollege advanced biology teachers in rural/non-urban areas of the western half of the U.S. and the upper Midwest regions. Three 5-day DNA Science institutes (24 participants each) are to be held with 3 follow-up workshops. In addition, leadership and advanced training will be provided for a cadre of 72 "Human and Molecular Genetics Resource Teachers" throughout the United States who have already implemented model units on molecular genetics and have proven networking abilities. This training will consist of a 27 day leadership institute at Cold Spring Harbor and three 3-day regional follow-up conferences associated with regional NABT or NSTA meetings. The proposal contains specific follow-up and evaluation programs, and includes provisions for participation by minority faculty. This proposal is appropriate for teacher enhancement because it will select participants regionally for discipline- focused summer institutes utilizing new approaches and content (DNA and molecular genetics) to enhance the participants' current leadership component for teachers with more advanced backgrounds in the field. Non-NSF cost-sharing is approximately 35% of the amount requested from NSF.
