Enrichment Program at BCE
ENGAGE, EMPOWER, INSPIRE
“Every child should have the chance to be exceptional without exception.”
~ Dr. Joseph Renzulli
Now in its fifth year, all children participate in the School-wide Enrichment Model. The program is based on the School-wide Enrichment Model developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli. The philosophy of the model is built on a set of pedagogical beliefs:
1. Each learner is unique.
2. Learning is more effective when students enjoy what they are doing.
3. Learning is more meaningful when content and process focus on a real problem.
This philosophy is embedded in our belief system at Barton Creek, inspiring us to provide engaging and enriching experiences throughout the school day. We also recognize and value student interests. This year we plan to continue to improve the implementation of SEM by allowing more opportunities for exposure to potential areas of interest in addition to the focus on students’ areas of interest. Clusters will continue to be a key component of the enrichment model at BCE.
An enrichment cluster is a learning situation that is purposefully designed to produce a product or service that will have an impact on an intended audience. Children explore a potential area of interest together for a set number of sessions.
In addition to participation in at least one round of clusters (6-8 week period), the children will also be exposed to potential areas of interest through one or multi-day sessions. Renzulli refers to these sessions as Type 1 Experiences. Often, young children do not know what their interests may be due to limited life experiences. This year we have added an emphasis on exposure to potential areas of interest. You are welcome to read more about the School-wide Enrichment Model at http://gifted.uconn.edu/schoolwide-enrichment-model/about_sem/ .
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to work as a team to engage, empower, and inspire all of our children at Barton Creek Elementary.