Subject Area Academic Performance

Standard testing and measurement can be utilized to test student comprehension and academic performance in various disciplines.

The chart below summarizes performance metrics by academic area over a two year period, which have been achieved by schools that have implemented the Schoolwide Enrichment Model:

Achievement growth is attributed to interest based assessment. Student interest in a particular subject area determines what is retained and further developed. Students develop expertise in an area when they develop something original, which leads to a deeper understanding of the subject. High levels of accomplishment are directly related to student engagement and enjoyment.

We have collected mountains of Assessment Data, which demonstrate the Schoolwide Enrichment Model produces positive results in the subject area of the project, reading comprehension, as well as student motivation.

Additional Assessment Data and references are available upon request.

References and Research
  1. References and Links to Research are available at: www.gifted.uconn.edu
  2. Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) Resources are available at: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/
  3. Sample Projects are available at: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/typeiisp.html
  4. Additional Assessment Data is available upon request

Programs Operations Summary

  • Students complete a questionnaire which indicates areas of interest, competency for a topic and their learning style. The Renzulli Profiler in Compass Learning’s GoQuest software is recommended for this activity
  • Students are grouped into Enrichment Clusters. The clusters are assigned a project focused on a Real-Life-Problem. Each cluster is supervised by a teacher who shares their passion for the topic
  • Real-Life-Problems share four criteria:
    1. The topics must have a personal frame of reference
    2. No agreed solution or answer exists to the problem
    3. Analysis of the problem motivates students to find solutions that change actions, attitudes and beliefs
    4. The problems target a real audience. Parents and members of the community may be involved in the project to enhance the reality of the experience
  • Students collaborate with one another to research and develop a solution to the project, with each participant having a role to play (drama club example)
  • Students acquire Just-In-Time (JIT) research skills to obtain and synthesize information to develop a solution to their problem
  • Together the students formulate their solution with all participants making a contribution
  • Students present the solution to teachers, students, parents and the community
  • Enrichment Cluster Guidelines for Teachers
    1. Student to Teacher Ratio is 10-1
    2. Students receive instruction in the same topic of interest, i.e. Robotics
    3. Appropriate research and lab resources must be available to students
    4. Instructors must have advanced skills in the selected area