Academic enrichment centers
Academic enrichment refers to activities that engage student interests, aptitudes, and abilities while reinforcing academic learning. The No Child Left Behind Act provided funds for 21st Century Community Learning Centers to provide disadvantaged K-12 students (particularly students who attend schools in need of improvement) with academic enrichment opportunities and supportive services to help the students meet state and local standards in core content areas. Academic enrichment centers are important extensions of the regular school program. Examples of academic enrichment activities include learning new computer software applications, carrying out research projects, studying a foreign language, and creative writing, including publishing original work.
Although academic enrichment centers may be especially attractive to gifted and talented students, schools serving disadvantaged students can provide exciting learning opportunities to all students through the enrichment center.
Effective middle schools employ highly qualified staff members for the enrichment centers. To ensure compatibility with the regular school program, enrichment center supervisors work closely with the content teachers and guidance personnel and encourage all students to take advantage of enrichment opportunities.
Related Links
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers, California Department of Education.
- After School Education & Safety Program, California Department of Education.
- Before & After School Programs, California Department of Education.
- Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention, Recommendation 2—Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention, TCSII.
- Nutrition and fitness, Recommendation 8—Safety, Resilience, and Health, TCSII.
- Partnerships with the Community, Recommendation 12—Partnerships, TCSII.
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Electives and exploratory courses (interest-based)