WEST ALLIS-WEST MILWAUKEE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM: GIFTED, CREATIVE AND

TALENTED
In Wisconsin, intelligence is viewed as multifaceted because students think, learn, and
create in many different ways. It is now understood that intelligence is not a single
entity, but multifaceted and it translates into five areas of identification: general
intellectual, specific academic, creativity, leadership, and the visual and performing arts.
Because of unique experiences and backgrounds students vary in their exposure and
pace of learning, therefore, students should be instructed, participate in varied learning
experiences and given opportunities to exhibit their talents through product and
performances which expand the development of the students identified as Gifted,
Creative and/or Talented.
In West Allis-West Milwaukee the majority of identified students will have their academic
needs met in the regular classroom because learning is personalized for students within
a framework of balanced instruction building upon the notion that one size does not fit
all. Learning that is appropriate for each child is integrated with school wide initiatives
and tier 1 instruction across all grade levels in the regular school day. Within the
Enrichment model, learning is further personalized with the Enrichment Specialist to
empower the learners and engage them through explicit and implicit choices. The
Enrichment Specialist provides instruction that is paced to the learning needs, tailored
to the learning preferences and designed around the specific interests of the learners.

The WAWM School District Enrichment Team believes..

Interdisciplinary connections using authentic real world experiences make
students learning relevant through 21st Century Skill integration
In the development of relationships, learner dispositions and employability skills
Teamwork and collaboration are fostered through Project Based Learning,
Problem Based Learning, Service Learning and/or community partnerships to
expand learning beyond school walls.
Talents of individual learners are developed through supporting choice and
building learner voice

 Students develop through a process of goal setting, self-assessment, and

reflection

STEAM as a Focus in the Enrichment Model

In West Allis West Milwaukee the Enrichment program is designed to inspire in our
students a passion for learning and encourage collaboration, leadership and teamwork.
STEAM is an educational approach to learning we employ that uses Science,
Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics for guiding student inquiry,
dialogue, and critical thinking through interdisciplinary project and problem based
learning experiences. STEAM is not a program, but a philosophy. The Enrichment
team guides the students to take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning,
persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative
process. The Enrichment Model allows students to further connect their learning to
engage in real world learning.

K-2 Enrichment Model

Formally identifying early gifted learners proves to be a challenge because some
children appear gifted in the K-2 years due to an enriched home environment,
pre-school experience and/or sibling influence. Students in Kindergarten through grade
2 who show evidence of general intellectual, specific academic, creativity, leadership,
and the visual and performing arts advancements will be part of the Enrichment Support
Model. In this model Enrichment Specialists will collaborate with the classroom teacher
to design learning experiences within the classroom or in small pull out groups that
nurture students potential before formal identification occurs.

3-8 Enrichment Model

Students in 3rd through 8th grade who show multiple years of evidence in general
intellectual, specific academic, creativity, leadership, and the visual and performing arts
advancements will be formally identified. Students will then participate in learning
activities that focus on the STEAM philosophy that are within and beyond the school
day. Students will meet regularly with their Enrichment teacher and participate in
on-going projects that extend their recognized talent(s) based upon their unique needs,
learning styles, and interests. Students will maintain a learner profile and create student
driven learning paths that are co-designed with their Enrichment teacher.