Cluster Grouping for English Language Learners

The practice of cluster grouping allows gifted students, including English language learners, Hispanics, and other culturally and linguistically diverse students to participate fully in gifted education services in any school. In a gifted cluster model, all identified gifted students receive services, regardless of their area(s) of identification or levels of ability, achievement, or English language proficiency. In this model, identified gifted students are clustered into classrooms with a teacher who has been designated as the gifted cluster teacher for that grade. The designated gifted cluster classroom also consists of non-gifted students at other ability and achievement levels, with the exception of students who are extremely needy academically. There is usually one classroom at each grade level in which the grade's gifted identified students are clustered ...