Schoolwide Cluster Grouping for Gifted Students in Grades K-6
In the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model, gifted students are clustered into mixed-ability classrooms at each grade level. The cluster teachers have received training in understanding, planning for, and instructing gifted students. In this model, gifted students receive differentiated curriculum and instruction in all content areas on a daily basis.
Classroom compositions are carefully structured with two main goals:
- To ensure that there is a balance throughout the grade level
- To reduce the learning range found in any given classroom
This system provides opportunities for teachers to more readily respond to the needs of all their students through enrichment, enhancement, and mild acceleration opportunities targeted to develop the following skills through learning in the content areas:
Gifted students receive instruction that is differentiated in content, process, product, learning environment, and assessment:
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Content – Complex, abstract ideas presented in a variety of disciplines, including interdisciplinary curriculum
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Process – Higher-level thinking through Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Multiple Intelligences
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Products – Alternative methods of demonstrating mastery with a range of complexity
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Learning environment – Student-centered, flexible grouping based on readiness, interests, and abilities
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Assessments – Pre-assessment and testing out-of-grade level curriculum
Cluster teachers receive the following support from the onsite Gifted Specialist and the Gifted Program Mentor:
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With scheduling
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Professional development in gifted education
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Planning and implementation of differentiated curriculum and instruction through monthly Gifted Cluster teacher meetings and during other staff development times.
Students qualify for gifted services via Gifted Cluster by obtaining a score at or above the 97th percentile in verbal, quantitative, and/or nonverbal areas.
