At Heritage we use the cluster model for our gifted learners. Research strongly shows that they need and benefit from being with other like minded peers throughout the day. Using a cluster model we are able to cluster small groups of identified students together in a regular classroom. We then can aid the classroom teachers with resources and strategies to help differentiate instruction to better meet the needs of all learners, as well as GT learners. Research supports the idea that by keeping our learners together, they all benefit socially as well as academically. 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 just for 30 minutes when they might be pulled for a specific GT targeted group. Teaching teams work to meet each learner's needs on in the classroom. There are a variety of specific strategies you might see which include curriculum compacting, content specific acceleration, mixed groups, independent learning projects or opportunities, or challenge menus that allow the student to choose enrichment activities that extend the general lesson. 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.
Sunshine Math (k-1)
Continental Math League (2-3)
Math Olympiad (4-6)
Cluster grouping for advanced level students
grade acceleration (3-6) when appropriate
Problem Solvers
Challenge Math
Cluster grouping for advanced level students
Advanced novel studies
Personalized goals
advanced writing rubrics and vocabulary study
competitions (Battle of the Books)
content acceleration
Junior Great Books (certain grade levels)
Jacob's Ladder
Destination Imagination
Battle of the Books
Spelling Bee
Band/Orchestra
Choir
Student Council
DCSD Gifted Programming Website
Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information
Gifted Organizations (links):
Gifted Expert Websites/Blogs (links):
www.byrdseed.com (Ian Byrd)
www.giftedguru.com (Lisa Van Gemert)
Hoagies Gifted Blog Hops (subpage on Hoagies' Gifted Education page)
https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blog/ (Colleen Kessler)
Gifted Experts we follow on Twitter:
@wcgtc (World Council for Gifted and Talented Children)
@IanAByrd (Ian Byrd - www.byrdseed.com)
@gifted_guru (Lisa Van Gemert - www.giftedguru.com)
@GiftedHF (Gifted Homeschoolers)
@SENG_Gifted (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted)
@HoagiesGifted (www.hoagiesgifted.org)
@drdanpeters (Dr. Dan Peters - http://drdanpeters.com/)
Other Resources (links):
Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Office of Gifted Education
Hoagies' Gifted Education page ("all things gifted" resources)
Gifted Education Resources - Live Binder by Jennifer Ritchotte, Ph.D., UNCO
Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education and Talent Development - UCONN