Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What is the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM)?
It is a philosophy that is based on the belief that: (1) each child is unique; (2) learning is more effective when students enjoy what they are doing; and (3) learning is more meaningful when content and process focus on a real problem (Renzulli & Reis, 1997). Quite simply put, the model asks educators to apply elements of gifted programming to the general education population, and then implement the strategies and the scaffolding needed for that to take place. In doing so, the essence of differentiating instruction will have been realized.Back to Top
It is a philosophy that is based on the belief that: (1) each child is unique; (2) learning is more effective when students enjoy what they are doing; and (3) learning is more meaningful when content and process focus on a real problem (Renzulli & Reis, 1997). Quite simply put, the model asks educators to apply elements of gifted programming to the general education population, and then implement the strategies and the scaffolding needed for that to take place. In doing so, the essence of differentiating instruction will have been realized.
What is the role of the teachers, administrators & the enrichment specialist?
We are all stakeholders in this philosophy to achieve rich, meaningful learning for all of our students. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with the Enrichment Specialist on a regular basis in order to explore avenues of differentiation and enrichment within the classroom. The role of the enrichment specialist will be to provide the support necessary by gathering resources, planning, and supplying materials when possible. While the administrators oversee the entire operation & provide the feedback and overall support needed to insure a smooth operation.Back to Top
We are all stakeholders in this philosophy to achieve rich, meaningful learning for all of our students. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with the Enrichment Specialist on a regular basis in order to explore avenues of differentiation and enrichment within the classroom. The role of the enrichment specialist will be to provide the support necessary by gathering resources, planning, and supplying materials when possible. While the administrators oversee the entire operation & provide the feedback and overall support needed to insure a smooth operation.
What impact will SEM have on Lockhart's Magnet students?
Staying in their home school allows our Magnet students to have many significant advantages. For example, they will not miss specials, assemblies or other Lockhart happenings. They will, for the most part, receive more contact time with the enrichment specialist. In addition to their regularly scheduled time that they attend Magnet, they will receive additional exciting enrichment activities that their classroom teacher and the enrichment specialist work on together. There will also be occations when there will be a "Brown Bag Lunch" period that students can return to the enrichment specialist's classroom to eat lunch and work on either an ongoing project or an educational activity of their own choosing! It's quite possible that some of our Magnet students will have the opportunity to choose approximately 3-4 interest areas to study for the school year in addition to self-selecting a topic to research each semester. There will be many exciting innovations to come!!Back to Top
Staying in their home school allows our Magnet students to have many significant advantages. For example, they will not miss specials, assemblies or other Lockhart happenings. They will, for the most part, receive more contact time with the enrichment specialist. In addition to their regularly scheduled time that they attend Magnet, they will receive additional exciting enrichment activities that their classroom teacher and the enrichment specialist work on together. There will also be occations when there will be a "Brown Bag Lunch" period that students can return to the enrichment specialist's classroom to eat lunch and work on either an ongoing project or an educational activity of their own choosing! It's quite possible that some of our Magnet students will have the opportunity to choose approximately 3-4 interest areas to study for the school year in addition to self-selecting a topic to research each semester. There will be many exciting innovations to come!!