The Effectiveness of the Enrichment Program in Sixth Grade Math and Science Classes

The Effectiveness of the Enrichment Program in Sixth Grade Math and Science Classes A.Navidi, Ph.D. To improve students' learning in math and science enrichment programs have been introduced, yet their effectiveness has never been assessed. To this end, a large sample of administrators, teachers, and students were questioned and tested, while 46 class sessions were also observed. Over 400 students participating in the enrichment program did not show any significant difference in performance on the math and science tests with the comparison group of close to as many students. Yet the overall attitudes of both administrators and teachers towards the program appeared rather positive, although there were those who considered the program as inappropriate and ineffective. The main reasons for its ineffectiveness seem to be inadequate preparation of both schools and teachers participating in the program. The success of such programs is subject to a greater coordination among goals and expectations across the educational system. Key words: enrichment programs, math education, science education, evaluation, curriculum