PROS+AND+CONS+OF+THE+MODEL+Enrichment+Triad



**Pros and Cons of the Enrichment Triad Model/ Schoolwide Enrichment Model**

**Pros**
 * This program can be used with every student in a school, regardless of whether or not they are labeled as gifted.
 * This program is very versatile and can be adapted to meet the needs of each school. Enrichment activities can take place in the general classroom, pull-out programs, small groups, or individually.
 * This program can be used in all types of school settings (public, private, charter, and magnet) as well as in all grade levels k-12. It has also been used at the university level.
 * Enrichment is differentiated because gifted/high ability students will participate in higher level Type III activities whereas lower ability students will focus more on Type I or II activities.
 * This program focuses on students’ interests rather than on what a teacher considers important or interesting.
 * Using experts to lead or enhance enrichment activities can help bring the community together if local experts are chosen.
 * Students get the opportunity to act as professionals in their given area of interest through Type III activities.
 * Students are given the opportunity to solve real-world problems and create products that can change or improve the world.
 * This program utilizes problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, creativity skills, metacognitive skills, leadership skills, research skills, and communication skills, which are all important components of gifted education.

**Cons**
 * Each school needs a gifted specialist in charge of the SEM model to carry out Enrichment Triad activities and to ensure that the program is running smoothly.
 * Enrichment activities cost money and many schools do not have a large budget for gifted education.
 * Not all teachers have the knowledge base to head up Type I, II, or III activities because they focus on advanced content in a specific area. Teachers must find experts in these areas to help students.
 * Finding experts to lead or enhance enrichment activities can be very time consuming.
 * This program requires total school buy-in because every member must be willing to participate.
 * Teachers, administrators, and districts must be trained on how to properly implement this model in schools. If this program is half-heartedly implemented, then it becomes nothing more than a series of “fun” or “extra” activities for gifted students to participate in rather than a solid curricular program.
 * While curriculum compacting is part of the SEM, the main reason for curriculum compacting is to provide more time for enrichment activities (Type I, II, and III) rather than on accelerating the curriculum in this program. However, the SEM could still be used in conjunction with accelerated or advanced placement classes.