At MHE our GT Program is...

• standards based

• collaborative (with families, students, and teachers)

• individualized, support as needed in the least-restrictive environment (push-in/pull-out support as needed)

At MHE 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 every day, 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 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.

Strategies used:

• Differentiated instruction

• Curriculum compacting

• Content acceleration

• Grade level acceleration

• Tiered assignments

• Cluster grouping

• Flexible grouping

• Independent study

• Leadership opportunities

• Extracurricular club/opportunities

• Small group math/literacy groupings

• FAQs about Gifted Education (NAGC)

• Glossary of Terms (NAGC)