Aligned Curricular and Career Experiences for Secondary Science (ACCESS Program)

The ACCESS Program brings teachers, administrators, and scientists together to provide partner districts with vertically aligned, hands-on life science lab lessons and career experiences for students in grades 6-10. During the intensive three-year program, life sciences teachers in all grades will participate in workshops that provide training and practice with ACCESS Program lessons and equipment. They will also receive in-school (or remote) coaching and mentoring to incorporate ACCESS Program lessons and career awareness into existing curriculum.

The ACCESS Program focuses on four key elements:

• Student centered learning and career awareness
• Intensive teacher training and support that creates independence and sustainability
• Three years of in-school mentoring for lab implementation
• All required materials, equipment, and supplies

The ACCESS Program Approach

Year One

Professional Development

All life sciences teachers across the district engage in community of practice meetings and joint professional development to build a deep understanding of the curricula and the content connections across grades. Through this district-wide community we build institutional knowledge of the ACCESS Program lessons and an internal coaching network that can sustain the program regardless of teacher turnover.

Implementation Support

Equipment and supplies are purchased for the participating schools. The initial implementation of each middle school and high school lab is done in conjunction with a BioTeach Instructor. The Bioteach Instructor works elbow-to-elbow with the classroom teacher to support the delivery of the lab and to highlight the career connections. 

Career Awareness

Career awareness information and examples are incorporated into MassBioEd’s lab-based activities. Access to and connections with industry professionals and partner companies and colleges will be supported through our Career Ambassadors Program in Year One and each year going forward.

Year Two

Professional Development

All life sciences teachers across the district continue to engage in community of practice meetings. MassBioEd will provide ongoing professional development as requested.

Implementation Support

The BioTeach Instructor continues to work with the classroom teacher to support the delivery of the labs and to highlight the career connections. During Year Two, industry volunteers from our Career Ambassadors Program are introduced to classes and serve as an additional pair of hands in the classroom.

Year Three and Beyond

Group Professional Development

All life sciences teachers across the district continue to engage in community of practice meetings. We will provide ongoing professional development as requested.

Implementation Support

In-school support will be provided by trained volunteers from our Career Ambassadors Program.

Contact BioTeach@massbioed.org for more information.