Instead of a single program, we are working to provide a variety of services in both general and Gifted and Talented education settings that match student needs. How can we meet your child’s needs? First, all children will be served daily in the homeroom through a variety of strategies and techniques. We use curriculum specifically designed to be differentiated through varying instructional strategies. This year teachers will use or begin to develop, construct, and communicate major projects that are open-ended and challenging. These projects will give students an opportunity to conduct research, create a product, or to create a presentation. For some students, the homeroom teacher might also connect the project with curriculum compacting, an assessment method that allows your child to skip skills she/he already knows, allowing time for more complex projects. The Gifted and Talented content coach will support teachers with both the new curriculum and the project development.
What will service look like for your child? It will vary from classroom to classroom. Read on to see the advantages and disadvantages of service models.
Pull-Out Model
Strengths
Weaknesses
Built-in opportunities for peer interaction
Limited contact time
Focus on in-depth study or new area of
learning
Part-time differentiation of curriculum
One instructional plan required
Lack of integration with regular classroom work
Collaboration (Pull-In) Model
Strengths
Weaknesses
Integration into the regular classroom
Gifted peer interaction limited to same grade level
Focus on in-depth study or new area of
learning
Limited contact time
Flexibility to group and regroup based on instructional need
Cluster Grouping
Strengths
Weaknesses
Full-time opportunity for curriculum
differentiation
Assumes that students are at the same level
Built-in peer group
Gifted peer interaction limited to same grade
level
Flexibility to group and regroup based on
instructional need
Multiple instructional plans required
Full-Time Grouping
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ability to deliver comprehensive
differentiated curriculum and programs
Perceived as more extreme than other forms
Intellectual peer group intact
Flexibility to group and regroup based on several variabilities
Teacher can focus on talent development
Special Classes
Strengths
Weaknesses
Accommodates a broad range of academically and
artistically gifted learners
May be limited by subjects
Allows for uneven development patterns
May be diluted with learners not identified as
gifted
