In technician education, biology serves as a gateway course for students interested in technical fields such as agricultural technology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences where the deaf/hh population is underrepresented.  Improving biology education practices for deaf/hh students has the potential to increase their participation by engaging them at the introductory biology level and lowering barriers to technical career education tracks.  
 
This conference will offer a focused, immersive professional development experience for high school teachers, community college faculty, and interpreters involved in teaching life sciences to deaf/hh students.  We will focus on using using literacy-building case-based learning pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and teaching in American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance student success in biology.

Who Should Attend?

Life science teachers at high school and two year colleges who teach students who are deaf/hh, and interpreters who specialize in life science education are welcome to attend.

Conference registration is free and all travel expenses will be covered by a grant from the NSF ATE program. You must apply and be accepted to attend the conference. Conference applications are due by Friday, Sept 6th.