What if I can't attend training during the summer 2016?

A question that has come up from a few individuals--I really want to come this summer for training/updated training but I probably will not be able to do so due to prior commitments.  What options are available for me if I can't attend this summer.

First of all everything at this point is tentative.  We are conducting pre-registration to just try and get an idea of how many materials we will need to purchase and to see if we will have enough funds to purchase those materials. 

Our first focus is compressed training this summer for teachers who have been previously trained during summer institute and full AMSTI summer training for those who have never received science training.  We will hopefully have a good idea on how much material to purchase by January or February through this pre-registration based on who is able to come this summer. 

We will then see how much we have remaining in funds and then begin some preliminary plans for compressed training during the school year.  We will hopefully be able to offer some compressed training during the school year but the number that can participate may be limited due to the expense of materials and training costs.  It may be we can conduct some training, but may not have kits available until the following year.  Until we see how our summer numbers turn out we will not be able to make plans for fall until late spring. 

AMSTI is also in the process of developing online compressed training.  With online compressed training, a teacher works through the science module and gets some guidance through the online course on lesson implementation.  The teacher must spend about an hour each week sharing how particular lessons went through message boards, and uploading documents/pictures.  This is probably the most effective form of training as a teacher must work through the lessons with students to receive certification in the kit.  However, this first year I am not very optimistic we will be able to support online training with specialist help or with materials (kits and teacher guides). 

To summarize, our current priorities in order:

Summer 2016

1. Previously science trained AMSTI teachers who are currently receiving science kits through compressed training.
2. Previously science trained AMSTI teachers who are not receiving kits due to grade level changes through compressed training.
3. Teachers at AMSTI schools who have never been science trained through Summer Institute.

Fall 2016

1. Face to face compressed training for teachers previously trained in AMSTI science.
2. Online compressed training for teachers previously trained in AMSTI science.