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Program Description
Program Description
The Advanced Biology Plus program is designed to prepare, develop, and improve Arkansas AP® Biology teachers and its wholistic support is approved for AP® Biology certification and renewal. It is part of the STEM Pathways outreach program housed at the Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) that has been supported by an Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Grant since 2017. Its main purpose is to develop a Professional Learning Communitity (PLC) that significantly expands teacher networks. It also provides pacing guides, content materials, assessment strategies, pedagocial approaches, essential equipment, and latest technologies to ENGAGE and MOTIVATE students to grow and take ownership of their learning. Teacher hands-on training and student Lab Fieldtrips (to ASMSA or to schools) are included and help to set this program apart from others.
Dr. Krakowiak and Dr. Holden co-direct the program with passion and a unique approach that not only addresses every teacher's need but also offers updated materials, technologies, and approaches for even the most advanced teachers.
Teacher Testimonials
Teacher Testimonials
"There will never be just ONE thing that was the most useful. Everything presented are all things that I utilize in class and always need to have a refresher or gain knowledge in those areas."
"I'm really excited to dive into AP Bio this year. I can't believe I'm saying that..lol Thank you for all of your support!"
"You saved all of my students a year of what would have been frustration of learning into an equal year of real learning and success. My fellow AP teachers are exactly right in that this framework 'allows you to just teach!' This was the best education program I had ever been involved in [in] my 28 years of teaching."
“Thank ya'll so much for having us yesterday! My kids absolutely loved it. They told me that was the most 'legit' lab they have ever done. "
“The AP Bio Plus program has been such a big help to me over the past two years. It has given me the tools and resources to really give my students an edge on learning AP Biology. The program offers a structured series of lessons and consistent, vetted resources. Using these resources has given my class so much more than I could have given them."
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
for students
Students of teachers enrolled in the Advanced Biology PLUS program score higher on the AP exam compared to how students scored in the same districts in years prior to joining the PLUS program. After joining: fewer 1-2's, more 3-5's.
ENGAGING
ENGAGING
Lab fieldtrips to ASMSA or to the schools that participate in our program are included. Complex, biotech experiments such as pGLO transformation of bacteria or DNA fingerprinting are facilitated by the co-directors.
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
for teachers
When teachers anonymously rated their outlook on life as an AP® Biology teacher before joining Advanced Biology Plus and after one or more years of support, the average empowerment score increased 36% from 6.4 to 8.6 out of 10. Teachers also rated their perceived effectiveness as AP® Biology teachers before and after one or more years of support. The average effectiveness score increased 62% from 4.7 to 8.1 out of 10.
ESSENTIAL
ESSENTIAL
Materials and Resources
TEACH: Interactive Notes and PearDeck technology tool
ENGAGE: Quizlets/Blookets and Labs for hands-on learning
APPLY: Scientific Skills Exercises and Questions of the Week
REVIEW: Golden Sheets and Study Guides to improve retention
ASSESS: Quizzes and Exams
ENERGIZING
ENERGIZING
One of the most highly valued aspects of the Advanced Biology PLUS program is the intensive networking among the participating teachers. Our Professional Learning Community (PLC) is made up of a diverse group of new and veteran biology teachers from across the state.
In addition to having a truly supportive community that shares not only resources (see padlet to the right) but also pedagogical approachse, the teachers can earn up to 36 Professional Development (PD) hours through the program's week-long bootcamp in the summer, hands-on laboratory trainings, and workshops each semester.
EXTRA
EXTRA
With a registration cost of only $100 for all of the PD, training, and materials (which also includes any number of students), the school aslo receives Biotech Expansion packs and Interactive technologies (such as PearDecks, Quizlets, and Blookets) -- all included with the program. The teacher chooses what is most needed by their school including a miniPCR electrophoresis system (seen on the left) or Vernier probes (right). In addition, atomic and 3D molecular models (left and right, below) have also been offered. We even survey teachers to figure out what else they are missing in their classrooms and attempt to obtain these materials. We also have big doorprizes such as PCR machines and spectrophotometers.
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