Renzulli /Enrichment at Oakdale Middle

What is the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program?

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 (curriculum compacting).

What are the goals of the Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Program?

• 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

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 content based learning activities which extend and enrich the essential curriculum.  Examples include problem solving, debate, Stock Market Club, and Junior Great Books discussions.

How does a student get involved in Renzulli/ Enrichment?

Interested students should contact Ms. Shomaker, the OMS Renzulli/ Enrichment Teacher.  Additionally, classroom teachers and/or parents may refer highly able students and/or students with intense interests.  The Renzulli/ Enrichment Teacher works with classroom teachers to schedule opportunities for students to participate in enrichment activities.

How can parents/ volunteers contribute to the Renzulli/ 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 Ms. Shomaker at (240) 236-5545 for additional information.