The Cluster Grouping Model

We're joining the other schools in the Mountain Vista feeder area in the philosophy of aiding the classroom teachers with resources and strategies to help differentiate instruction to better meet the needs of gifted learners. Research supports the idea that by keeping gifted individuals together, they all benefit socially as well as academically. We want all students to feel connected to everything that goes on in their classroom community. This includes mastery of the grade level curriculum, building positive relationships with peers, and gaining knowledge that comes from shared experiences and discussions with a diverse group.

From the gifted and talented perspective, we want to meet the needs of the learner everyday, all day, rather than on Tuesdays at 10:30 or a few scheduled pull out times. Our teaching teams will work to meet each learner's needs on an on going basis in the classroom. Some specific strategies you might see are tiered lessons, mixed groups, independent learning projects or opportunities, curriculum compacting, or challenge menus that allow the student to choose enrichment activities that extend the general lesson. By working closely with the teachers, we hope to maximize every student's potential. The ultimate goal is that every child, whatever the extent or limit of his or her gifts, is challenged and encouraged to pursue the potential of his or her own possibilities.