The institute includes two summers (three weeks each) in residence at Washington University in St. Louis and continues during the subsequent two academic years through online courses.

During academic years between institute summers, participants will be required to keep in touch via online communities.

Teachers are encouraged to continue their professional growth through a third year of leadership development, including but not limited to research fellowships in their region, involvement in professional organizations, and local efforts to further develop biology education for high school students.

All participants are required to administer pre- and post-content tests to their biology students during academic years 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11.

Each team will join a cohort that will attend the institute during one of three sessions, starting either in 2007, 2008, or 2009. Assignment to cohorts will be based on space available and the order in which applications are received.

Participants are expected to implement a secondary life science unit aligned with their district's curriculum during each of the two years they are pursuing their master's degree. Implementation of additional secondary life science units is encouraged as part of participation in the online professional learning community.