The Total School Cluster Grouping Model is a specific, research-based, total-school application of cluster grouping combined with differentiation, focused on meeting the needs of students identified as gifted while also improving teaching, learning, and achievement of all students. This revised and updated second edition of Total School Cluster Grouping and Differentiation includes rationale and research followed by specific steps for developing site-specific applications that will make the important art of differentiation possible by reducing the range of achievement levels in teachers' classrooms. Materials to support staff development—including powerful simulations, evaluation, management, special populations, differentiation strategies, social and emotional needs, and recommended materials—are included.

Definitive resource for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping, fully revised and expanded. In today’s standards-driven era, how can teachers motivate and challenge gifted students and ensure that all students reach their potential? This book provides a compelling answer: the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model. The authors explain how the model differs from grouping practices of the past, and they present a roadmap for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping. Readers will find a wealth of teacher-tested classroom strategies along with detailed information on identifying gifted students for clusters, gaining support from parents, and providing ongoing professional development to teachers and other staff. The new edition: offers identification and placement guidance for a wide variety of student ages and populations directs special attention toward empowering gifted English language learners shows teachers how to use the Depth of Knowledge framework to differentiate learning tasks offers new ideas for integrating technology into both professional development and student learning The Cluster Grouping Handbook offers a guide for schools to create a workable, defensible gifted program; to simplify teachers’ jobs; and to maximize learning for all students. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book and a PDF presentation; a free PLC/Book Study Guide is also available.

Master flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to challenge every learner, every day. Grouping learners purposefully throughout the school day based on their needs and the curriculum remains the single best way to differentiate instruction. This award-winning guide will help teachers expertly use flexible grouping and differentiation strategies to respond to students’ diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests. Included are methods for creating groups based on assessment data, planning group lessons and tiered assignments, engaging learners at all levels, supporting personalized learning, grading collaborative work, and communicating with parents about the benefits of groupwork and productive struggle. Digital content contains all forms from the book and a PDF presentation. A free online PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

THE comprehensive guide to establishing or strengthening a gifted program! Whether you are developing a new program from the ground up or need to restructure an existing one, Designing Services and Programs for High-Ability Learners will help you every step of the way with detailed guidelines, practical tips, templates, action plans, and suggestions for strategic planning teams as well as for the sole practitioner. Consolidating the sage advice and up-to-date research of 29 leaders in the field, this comprehensive and highly practical guide takes the guesswork out of providing appropriate services and programming for high-ability students from elementary through high school. Each chapter addresses a key feature of gifted programming, from identification to evaluation and advocacy, and includes Definition, Rationale, and Guiding Principles of the key feature Attributes That Define High Quality for assessing effectiveness Flawed Example of the key feature and strategies to improve the example Revised Example, illustrating implementation of high-quality attributes Strategic Plan for Designing or Remodeling the key feature, delineating the steps involved Template for Getting Started, helping you take the first steps of a complex process Must-Read Resources Informed planning allows you to tailor services to the specific needs of your students, whether youa're in a rural, urban, or suburban community. Superintendents, administrators, teachers, and advocates will find Designing Services and Programs for High-Ability Learners invaluable in defending, developing, and monitoring high quality gifted services and programs.

Curriculum compacting is one of the most well-researched and commonly used ways of differentiating instruction to challenge advanced learners. This practical and inexpensive method of differentiating both content and instruction enables classroom teachers to streamline the regular curriculum, ensure students' mastery of basic skills, and provide time for stimulating enrichment and acceleration activities. With information on the history and rationale of curriculum compacting as well as successful implementation strategies and multiple case studies, the second edition of Curriculum Compacting introduces the strategies that teachers need to understand to implement this differentiation strategy for high-potential, highly motivated, and academically talented and gifted students. 2017 NAGC Book of the Year Award Winner

Enrichment clusters engage students and facilitators in student-driven, real-world learning experiences. Grouped by interest, students working like practicing professionals apply advanced content and methods to develop products and services for authentic audiences. Clusters are scheduled during the school day over an extended period of time and involve all students. This updated second edition of Enrichment Clusters provides the rationale for including this important enrichment program for all students, suggestions for creating buy-in, and a step-by-step guide for successful implementation of a self-sustaining enrichment cluster program within the context of specific schools. Included are staff development activities, suggestions for evaluation and program improvement, guidelines for developing high quality cluster experiences for teachers and students, suggested resources, and everything one needs to develop, implement, and sustain a top-quality enrichment cluster program.

Gifted kids are so much more than test scores and grades. Still, it’s sometimes difficult to see past the potential to the child who may be anxious, lonely, confused, or unsure of what the future might bring. This book, now fully revised with updated information and new survey quotes, offers practical suggestions for addressing the social and emotional needs of gifted students. The authors present ways to advocate for gifted education; help gifted underachievers, perfectionists, and twice-exceptional students; and provide all gifted kids with a safe, supportive learning environment. Complete with engaging stories, strategies, activities, and resources, this book is for anyone committed to helping gifted students thrive. Includes online digital content.