| Mission: The mission of TBI is to develop young scientists, with a focus in biotechnology/medical areas. Rigorous college level courses, participation in seminars focusing on research projects and observing in scientific laboratories engaged in cutting-edge research, and opportunities to engage in reflective discussions are all part of this academic focus and the TBI experience. The purpose is to extend knowledge and understanding for each student far beyond where they are when they arrive. The courses are not at all like high school courses – even AP and IB courses – since many of the faculty are also engaged in recognized research. They bring to the classroom a perspective and experience that enrich and make relevant what they teach. TBI students benefit uniquely from this knowledge and expertise. TBI is an environment in which students can increase knowledge, develop imagination, explore ideas and feelings, find life-long friends and strengthen their desire to serve humankind. |  |
Challenge and area of focus: Focus area is Pre Medical and biotechnology. The challenge is to implement a college schedule that works with a high school schedule while providing travel time for students. The need that is being addressed is the development and certification of biotechnology technicians and apprenticeships for the area’s growing research community as well as the development of workers to go into all areas of medicine. History: Opened in August of 2006, moved from College Campus to Institute in January of 2007 Needs Assessment: A needs assessment/survey was conducted of all community partners in 2006 which indicated a strong need for workers in medical areas and biotechnology research. Objectives of the Exemplar Program The objective of the TBI Middle College Program is to prepare high school students for a career in a medical field by raising the level of math and science education through exposure to advanced college courses in a medical setting. This process: · Requires higher level math and science courses such as Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology · Enables students to obtain as much as 18 college credits per semester while still a full-time high school student culminating in a college degree and or employment in a medical field · Provides a qualified staff to teach advanced classes · Provides the support needed to take advanced classes · Increases the number of “Distinguished Graduates” in school districts · Demonstrates practical application of math and science coursework in a research setting · Provides access to the world of medical research and research scientists through job shadowing, lectures, and internships Strategy and Implementation: In 1999 a medical research industry began to grow in the Temple area. The Cardiovascular Research Institute, a collaboration of Texas A&M College of Medicine, Scott & White, and Central Texas Veterans Administration Center, was established and drew Texas A&M research faculty as well as funding and new buildings. Temple College began to develop education programs for research technicians. The Temple Health and Bioscience Economic Development District was established. The City of Temple, the Economic Development Board, Temple College, Scott & White, Temple and Belton ISDs, and Texas A&M College of Medicine are all partnering to support the growth of this industry. Temple College received a Department of Labor Grant in 2004 for the development of a Biotechnology Program at Temple College. Research scientists, educators, and the community collaborated in the development of this program. The Middle College was developed as a result of this identified need in the community. Lessons have been learned in coordinating programs with Higher Education and the Texas Education Agency, cross-walks for courses, development of courses, contracts for districts, scheduling, hiring staff, and colleges working with school districts. The Texas Bioscience Institute is a Middle College program in which students receive college credit while still in high school. Participating high school juniors and seniors attend high school for ½ day and TBI for ½ day. Supported by a unique network of partnerships, TBI brings togetherten different school districts, two private schools, home school students, numerous universities, the Temple Bioscience community, the Cancer Research Center, Scott & White Hospital, Texas A&M Medical School, Veterans Health Care Cardiovascular Center, and numerous other programs. These multiple partnerships result in a complex set of agreements. Contracts have been developed between school districts and the college detailing financial responsibility, faculty qualifications, curriculum, courses offered, grading, academic calendar, transcripting of credit, responsibilities of each group and transportation. These contracts could be used by other districts or groups as models. The medical community, the reinvestment and economic development boards, and local universities all support the Texas Bioscience Institute. To streamline course credit, the TBI submitted the innovative courses to be used for all districts participating in the consortium. TBI has paved the path with TEA for other districts to match district courses with higher education courses and community college courses with university courses.  | Outcomes: Statistics after the first semester: · Under-represented population: 86% female; 56% minority · 88% of students completed courses · Students earned - 390 College Credits this semester out of approximately 445 taken, an average of approximately 10 credits per student while still full time high school students · The largest amount earned was 18 college credits and the smallest was 3 college credits · Students taking the full 14 credits were more successful than those taking only one or two courses · Juniors were more successful than seniors · Minority students did slightly better than non-minority students · Small school districts and private schools had 100% completion of courses |
All graduating seniors have been accepted and are planning on attending college. 99% of graduating seniors are planning on majoring in a degree leading to a career in medicine. One senior chose to major in business. - Leadership: This is a fine balancing act building a program that supports: higher education, secondary education, college professors, counselors, teachers, community members, parents, students when each area has it’s own agenda. - Faculty- Must be student centered and have had experience in the medical industry - Student- Must have the math background to complete these higher level courses and must be committed to the extra work it takes for the program. - Community person or partner- must be willing to support the development phase of the program with patience. - Recommendations/advice for replication: work closely with partners. Bring college department chairmen into the discussions of schedules, etc. Next Steps: Continue the process established maintaining the rigor while increasing student participation. Funding: Numerous funding sources: DOL Grant, T-STEM grant, Scott and White Hospital, Temple Reinvestment Zone Board, Temple College, school districts, and community donations. Partners: · Community Foundation of Texas · Texas Education Agency · Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinics · Central Texas Veterans Health Care System · TAMU System Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Campus · Temple Health and Bioscience District · Temple Economic Development Corporation · Region 12 Education Service Center · US Department of Labor · University of Mary Hardin Baylor · Temple College · Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium · City of Temple - Reinvestment Zone 1 Board · Tarleton-Central Texas · Central Texas Workforce Board and Centers · Belton, Temple, Killeen, Salado, Academy, Bartlett, Rogers, Troy, Rosebud-Lott and Holland ISDs; Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Central Texas Christian School, including Home Schools |