At-risk children benefit from access to specific programs that support their success in a school environment. By providing opportunities that students can connect with, the probability of them staying in school and matriculating to a two- or four-year college or university will increase. Biotech Academy in San Jose, California is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on bioscience. The program and its faculty, however, provide supports for at-risk students that go far beyond academics. To prepare for this discussion, watch the nearly 10-minute video Biotech Academy: A catalyst for change. Note that this video can also inform your completion of the Week Four Assignment.

Initial Post: Create an initial post that addresses the following:

a. Share a minimum of three things you observed showing how teachers at Biotech Academy instigate and maintain student support and success. Be sure to consider what characteristics they have to have and what behaviors and practices they need to present to their students.

b. Describe the impact collaboration between teachers, parents, and students has on student success as well as having a spirit of cooperation instead of competition between students.

c. Discuss two to three observations you made that show relevancy between Biotech Academy instruction & supports and what students need in post-secondary education and employment. Be sure to address how having such relevancy for student learning impacts their ultimate success.

d. Discuss how traditional school environments might learn from Biotech Academy and employ in their school culture so as to potentially increase graduation rates and matriculation to post-secondary education and employment for at-risk students.