| Cluster Grouping: Full-time Services for our Gifted Students |
What is Clustering? |
| Groups of 5-8 REACH identified students are placed in a mixed ability classroom with a teacher who has training, or is receiving training, in working with gifted students. |
Why do we Cluster? |
- Teachers can more easily differentiate for the gifted population by providing extended learning opportunities and compacting curriculum.
- Cluster grouping allows the gifted specialist and classroom teacher to collaborate in order to meet the needs of their gifted learners.
- This grouping gives the students an opportunity to be with others who think the same way they do. They are more likely to choose challenges when others also participate.
- Students can be gifted all week long, not just an hour or two a week.
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How will the curriculum be differentiated for the REACH students? |
- Compacting/Extension projects
- Tiered lessons
- Greater breadth and depth of subject matter (still addressing the Arizona State Standards)
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What are some other benefits of this program? |
- All students in the classroom receive instruction at the appropriate level of challenge
- Students are able to work with various groupings, dependent on their needs and the learning objectives
- Students learn to become more self-directed
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How will the classroom teacher be supported by the REACH teacher? |
- REACH teacher will provide in-service opportunities
- The REACH teacher will conduct demonstration lessons to set the stage for differentiation
- The REACH teacher will be available for planning and implementation of differentiated instruction
- The REACH teacher will provide enrichment activities beyond the classroom
- The REACH teacher will meet with the identified gifted students on a regular basis to help the students understand their giftedness and their unique social emotional needs.
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