Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM)
Although this research-based model is based on highly successful practices that originated in special programs for gifted students, its major goal is to promote both challenging and enjoyable high-end learning across a wide range of student levels and demographic differences. The idea is to create a repertoire of services that can be integrated in such a way to create "a rising tide lifts all ships" approach. This approach allows Cypress Woods to develop a collaborative school culture that takes advantage of resources and appropriate decision-making opportunities to create meaningful, high-level and potentially creative opportunities for students to develop their talents. Educators at Cypress examine ways to make Cypress Woods a more inviting, friendly, and enjoyable place that encourages the full development of the learner, instead of seeing students as a repository for information that will be assessed with the next round of standardized tests. Not only has this model been successful in addressing the problem of students who have been under-challenged but it also provides additional important learning paths for students who find success in more traditional learning environments.