Successfully implementing a vibrant school improvement plan requires a thorough knowledge of the program and the savoir-faire of an enthusiastic, experienced leader. Though you may have a deep understanding of the components and implementation procedures of The Schoolwide Enrichment Model, don’t you wish you could get some personal advice from those who have already successfully implemented SEM? How did they generate community support? Was funding an issue? What does a timeline for implementation look like? What got teachers excited about the model? And how did parents respond?
Based on personal experience and interviews with SEM administrators, Dr. Friedman has gathered the best tips and advice on implementing SEM, whether you and your staff have chosen to bring SEM to your school or it was mandated. Friedman includes information on different styles of implementation, characteristics of a successful SEM administrator, tips on how to monitor progress, staff development activities, sample documents, helpful resources, and more.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: An Overview of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model
SEM Components and Structures
Chapter 2: Gifted Education Policy and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model
A Brief History of Gifted Education in the United States
Using SEM to Respond to the Educational Needs of Students
A Commitment to Ensure the Best Possible Educational Program for Students
Chapter 3: Searching for the Best Means of Implementation
Three Implementation Frameworks
Influences on the Implementation and Success of SEM
Chapter 4: The Professional Development Plan and Timeline for Implementation
Phase 1: Gathering a Team and Defining Its Purpose
Phase 2: Introducing Strategies of SEM
Phase 3: Refining Application in Your School
Chapter 5: Strategies for Achieving Teacher Buy-in
Making Implementation a Collaborative Process
Moving Forward
Working with the Teachers Union
Scheduling
Familiarizing Teachers with Components of the Program
Celebrating Successes
Chapter 6: Communicating with Parents and Community
General Sources of Parent Concern
Gathering Data to Find Out What Your Parents Really Think
Looking at Your School with a Parent's Eye
Publicizing Your Program
Chapter 7: Funding
Potential Sources of Funding
Chapter 8: The SEM Administrator
Don't Be a Loner
Know SEM
Be Organized
Raise Expectations
Be Flexible
Be Creative
Have a Sense of Humor
Be Confident
Be a Collaborator
Follow Through
Be Public Relations Savvy
Communicate with Other SEM Administrators
Chapter 9: Putting It All Together
Develop a Plan
Establish Teacher Buy-in
Communicate with Parents and Community
Contemplate Funding Sources
Monitor Progress
This Is Only the Beginning
References
Appendix A: The Schoolwide Enrichment Model Executive Summary
Appendix B: Sample Documents
Appendix C: Professional Development Activities
Appendix D: The SEM Administrator's Library
Appendix E: Summary of Research on SEM and Related Models
Appendix F: Commonly Used Terms