Transforming science education through research-driven innovation

Tuition-based Teacher Institutes for BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life

BSCS Science Learning now offers several professional learning programs to support the effective implementation of BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life. For districts that do not have enough high school teachers to justify bringing BSCS Biology professional learning to their site, we offer Tuition-based Teacher Institutes with the same content as our District-based Teacher Institutes.

We have two virtual Tuition-based Teacher Institutes scheduled this summer, and more scheduled for fall 2024 and winter 2025.

Upcoming Institutes

BSCS invites individuals or small groups from your school or district to attend one of our two-day or one-day, virtual institutes. A minimum of five attendees is required to host these institutes.

Virtual Institute Dates:

  • August 6-7, 2024 – Focused on Unit 1, the two-day program supports teachers in understanding the Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model, the role of the Anchor lesson, and the literacy and sensemaking strategies to support student learning.
  • November 5, 2024 – Focused on Unit 2, this one-day institute will deepen understanding of the Unit 2 storyline, explore the role of Investigate lessons in the AIL instructional model, and consider the role of societal challenges as anchor phenomena and embedded supports for creating an equitable and respectful classroom culture.
  • January 27, 2025 – Focused on Unit 3, this one-day institute will deepen understanding of the Unit 3 storyline and the engineering design process, including equitable consideration of multiple perspectives, specifically Indigenous perspectives. The institute will also explore how the BSCS Biology 3D assessment system supports all students in demonstrating and applying their understanding.
  • March 10, 2025 – Focused on Unit 4, this one-day institute will deepen understanding of the Unit 4 storyline and the role of the Synthesize, Gap Analysis, and Culminating Task lessons in the AIL instructional model and the development of student agency.

Institute Goals:

  • Deepen understanding of three-dimensional, phenomenon/problem-driven teaching and learning as described in the NGSS.
  • Deepen understanding of the Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model used in BSCS Biology.
  • Increase ability to apply knowledge of equitable teaching and learning in classroom practice to support student construction of a coherent science content storyline.
  • Experience Anchored Inquiry Learning lessons and enhance understanding of literacy, emerging multilingual learner (EML), and sensemaking strategies embedded in the curriculum.
  • Build community and a common vision for BSCS Biology.

Who Should Participate?

Teachers who:

  • plan to pilot and/or adopt BSCS Biology
  • work in a small or remote district that cannot justify a professional learning program dedicated to their teachers

School/District leaders who:

  • are currently considering piloting and/or adopting BSCS Biology
  • wish to support teachers in successfully piloting and/or implementing BSCS Biology

What are the Benefits?

  • Discover the impact that BSCS Biology is having on teachers and students across the country–and the impact it can have on teachers and students in your school and district.
  • Engage in a powerful professional learning institute designed to maximize your confidence and success in implementing BSCS Biology.
  • Join and build community with BSCS Biology users across the country.

What are the Costs?

Two-day Institute:

  • Tuition for a two-day institute is $500 for the first teacher from a district/school and $400 for each additional teacher.

One-day Institute:

  • Tuition for a one-day institute is $250 for the first teacher from a district/school and $200 for each additional teacher.

How do I Participate?

Next steps:

Full refunds will be issued if BSCS cancels the institute due to low enrollment.