The SEM Model
Gifted Education The topic of talent development is internationally known as Gifted and Talented Education. Over the last 40 years, scientific studies in this area have given rise to multiple educational proposals that have proven to have positive effects on student education. The provisions existing in Europe and Italy justify a review of the educational offer in Italian schools, which identifies teaching strategies that promote individual potential. It is therefore essential to invest in teacher training to respond to the special educational needs of all children, including the special educational needs of students with above-average potential (gifted). The skills of the 21st century require a dynamic vision of learning, open to the context and no longer structured on the centrality of disciplines and the most profitable teaching approach seems to be the one that stimulates the resolution of real problems by activating divergent thinking. In an increasingly globalized world, individuals need many skills to be successful in a rapidly evolving world. Societies and economies have undergone significant changes: innovative digital technologies have had a significant impact on the contemporary world and many of today's jobs did not exist a decade ago but we cannot predict the types of jobs our young people will do in the future. Society and the economy are looking for creative and competent people to face the challenges of the future and, in addition to solid basic skills, the most sought-after requirements in the world of work are soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and problem solving, which are essential to cope with the complexity and change in today's world.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) The Schoolwide Enrichment Model by Joseph Renzulli and Sally Reis is an inclusive teaching model for the development of talent, creativity and individual potential of students. The result of forty years of scientific research, conducted at the University of Connecticut, USA, the SEM allows enrichment activities to be infused into the regular school curriculum, seeking a balance between traditional learning approaches and approaches that promote thinking skills, hands-on learning and creative productivity in all students. The aim of the SEM is to minimize boredom and school disaffection and improve performance and creative productivity. The SEM is based on the Triadic Enrichment Model (Renzulli, 1977a) and the Three Rings Model by J. Renzulli (1978). Renzulli and Reis argue that schools should be places for the development of talent (Renzulli, 1994) and that all students should be provided with the opportunities, resources and encouragement to develop their talents, according to an inclusive vision where a rising tide lifts all boats.