Under the direction of the Enrichment Specialist, students have opportunities to participate in Type I, Type II and Type III learning activities as well as enrichment in different subject areas.

 

Type I Learning Activities

Students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences that may not be available in the essential curriculum. Guest speakers, demonstrations, field trips, documentaries and other resources are available to expose students to a wide variety of disciplines, topics, occupations and hobbies. The goal of Type I activities is to stimulate new interests that individuals or small groups of students may choose to pursue through intensive study.

 

Type II Learning Activities

Students learn and develop advanced research skills and thinking skills such as critical inquiry, problem solving, and creative thinking. Activities or lessons usually occur in the classroom or in small group settings. These learning activities encourage high-level thinking and reasoning skills.

 

Type III Learning Activities

Individual students or small groups of students engage in research investigations in an area of personal interest. These learning activities allow students to think, feel and act like practicing professionals. Students conduct research, gather data, solve problems, and create a final product that is shared with an appropriate audience.

 

Highly able students participate in learning activities that are content based and which extend and enrich the essential curriculum. Examples include problem solving, debate, Junior Great Books discussions, and Socratic Seminars.

 

Interested students may contact the Enrichment Specialist. Also, classroom teachers may refer highly able students and/or students with intense interests to the Enrichment Specialist. Then, the Enrichment Specialist and classroom teacher collaborate to schedule opportunities for students to participate in enrichment activities.

 

Where is the Schoolwide Enrichment Program available?

The program is offered in all FCPS middle Schools and in elementary schools that have an Enrichment Specialist.

 

In what ways can parents and volunteers contribute to the Schoolwide Program?

Parents and community members may volunteer to serve as guest speakers about careers or topics of special interest. They may serve as mentors or expert advisors to individual students or small groups of students conducting independent investigations.

 

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the principal or the Enrichment Specialist by telephone or email for details.

 

Contact the Enrichment Specialist at your school or the Office of Gifted and Talented Education at (301) 696-6891 for more information about the program or to volunteer your services.