What Is Enrichment?

What is Enrichment in Hoover City Schools?

Enrichment in Hoover City Schools is one dimension of the basic program offered to all students. The most fundamental belief of the Hoover City Schools is that each student has unique gifts and talents. The goal of enrichment is to discover and to develop those gifts and to encourage students’ self-directed learning. The enrichment program consists of all enrichment activities that occur in the classroom, the resource room and throughout the school at all levels. At the elementary schools where there is an enrichment teacher, the program is not limited to activities that the enrichment teacher initiates or facilitates. The enrichment teacher’s role is primarily: (1) to provide services for students identified for Talent Pool (pull-out) service; (2) to collaborate with general classroom teachers to enable them to provide enrichment opportunities for all students, and (3) to facilitate independent study opportunities for students. Students in grades 3 – 5 who have exceptional skills and talents in academic and/or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment are identified to receive additional opportunities through Talent Pool. Since Talent Pool services begin at third grade, the enrichment teacher assists second grade teachers with State-required screening procedures designed to identify potential candidates and collaborates with teachers in kindergarten through second grade to meet the needs of students. Students identified for Talent Pool display high levels of: (1) task commitment and/or motivation; (2) creative or productive thinking; and/or (3) above average abilities. When a student is recognized as having exceptional ability, this necessitates involvement in experiences not ordinarily provided in the regular classroom. Therefore, the focus of Talent Pool is on concept-based content, not curriculum-based content (i.e., not separate math or reading classes).

How is a child referred for Enrichment Services?

Teachers, parents, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may nominate a student in grades 3 – 5 for Talent Pool (pull-out) services in the enrichment program. The teacher of the student completes an Enrichment/Gifted Screening Nomination Form. For each student referred, information is gathered in the following areas: (1) aptitude; (2) characteristics; and (3) performance. Information such as grades, evidence of out-of-level work, achievement test scores, aptitude scores, product/work samples, evidence of any outstanding skills or abilities, evidence of creativity, and any other relevant information are considered by a team composed of at least three people. Two members of the team must be a regular classroom teacher and a gifted/enrichment teacher. The third member can be an additional staff member, such as an administrator, other general education teacher, special education teacher, art, music, and/or physical education teacher. The team reviews the nomination form and determines whether the student satisfies the criteria for enrichment services.

How is a child referred for Gifted Services?

All second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist provided by the State Department of Education. Because the enrichment model is used in Hoover, usually the enrichment referral process is followed. However, A student may be referred for consideration for gifted services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities. Standard referrals may occur at any time for students six years of age and older. Parents must be informed when students are referred. Consent is secured from the parent to proceed with evaluations for consideration for gifted eligibility.

May a student start receiving pull-out services earlier than grade 3 if they are eligible for gifted services?

According to the Alabama Administrative Code, service delivery for students in grades K – 2 is through regular classroom accommodations with consultation from teacher of the gifted as needed. The regular educator should be knowledgeable of gifted learners, trained in differentiation, and demonstrate a willingness to address the needs of diverse learners. Kindergartners must be six years of age to receive services.