RENZULLI SCHOOLWIDE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

  
What is the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program in FCPS?

FCPS Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program is based on a model for gifted education developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli at the University of Connecticut. Renzulli’s model promotes student participation in three types of enrichment activities (Type I, Type II, Type III) in order for students to pursue independent investigations on special topics of their interest. FCPS has expanded Renzulli’s model by also offering enrichment in the different subject areas in cases where students have mastered portions of the essential curriculum.

What are the objectives of the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program in FCPS?

• To expose students to topics that may not be included in the essential curriculum.

• To increase student skills in research and problem solving.

• To increase student awareness of personal strengths and potential for success.

What options does the FCPS Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program offer to students?

Under the direction of the Renzulli Resource Teacher, students have opportunities to participate in Renzulli’s 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. 

Enrichment in Subject Areas

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.

How may students begin participating in the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program?

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

Where is the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program available?

The program is offered in all FCPS middle Schools and in elementary schools that have a Renzulli teacher position.

In what ways can parents and volunteers contribute to the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment 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 Renzulli Resource Teacher by telephone or email for details.

Who should I call for further information?

Contact the Renzulli Resource Teacher 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.