Tiffany Weese, the district’s gifted and talented coordinator, outlined the district’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) during the Jan. 2 meeting and described how the district identifies students and delivers enrichment instruction.

"My name is Tiffany Weiss, and I am the gifted and talented coordinator for this Cache County School District," Weese told the board. She said SEM is a districtwide program that provides a weekly one-hour pull-out enrichment class in science and language arts for identified students. For 2024–25 the program served grades 4, 5 and 6; as sixth graders move to middle school the district plans to include 3rd grade and shift to 3, 4 and 5.

Weese described the district’s identification process: a districtwide template combines end-of-year test scores (for example, RISE and Growth Measure) and teacher evaluations using a rating form called Scripsies (Scales for Rating the Behavior Characteristics of Superior Students). The district typically ranks the top 8–10 students per grade to invite into SEM pull-out classes; typical pull-out class sizes range from about six to 12 depending on grade and curriculum needs. Culminating events occur in May, when grades 4 and 5 showcase projects and 6th grade hosts a creator fair.

Board members asked whether the district can identify students who are truly gifted but have behavioral issues; Weese said extensive individual testing would be required to identify a broader set of gifted students but the district does not currently have funding for that testing and therefore some students are missed. Weese also confirmed that SEM pull-out classes meet a minimum of one hour per week, with some schools able to provide an hour and 15 minutes depending on scheduling.

The board received the SEM report as an informational program update; Weese said the district is developing a 3rd-grade curriculum and will adjust materials to match grade-level needs as the program shifts.