Heterogeneous+Grouping

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Heterogeneous grouping is placing gifted students in a classroom with non-gifted students. This method is often used due to budgeting constraints. Its popularity has increased due to the anti-tracking movement in education. There are two primary ways in which heterogeneous grouping is used: cluster grouping and heterogeneous classes.===== || = media type="custom" key="13989916" = || = = = What is Cluster Grouping? = Three to six gifted students are placed in a cluster or group within a classroom that contains both gifted and non-gifted students. The teacher is responsible for differentiating to meet the needs of this gifted cluster. This can be done through compacting the curriculum, enrichment activities, and acceleration. A class that uses the cluster grouping model must be taught by a gifted trained teacher.

= Example of Cluster Grouping = A sixth grade social studies class has a group of six gifted students, a group of 8 average students, and a group of 8 below-average students. The teacher has gifted training. Lessons are differentiated for each group. During a unit on the Civil War, the group of gifted students works to complete an independent research project on a Civil War topic of their choice. This research project will be presented to the class as a means of instruction.

= What is a Heterogeneous Class? = Due to constraints that limit a school from being able to provide a gifted program, gifted students are placed in a regular classroom and are thought for on an individual basis. Gifted students in a heterogeneous classroom may have differentiated assignments and projects. The individual gifted student may accelerate the content or participate in enrichment activities that encourage higher-level thinking. The teacher of a heterogeneous class does not have be trained in gifted education, but must be gifted-conscious in order for the needs of the gifted learner to be met. Often times a contract between the teacher and gifted student or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created for the gifted learner in a heterogeneous class.

= = = Example of a Heterogeneous Class = Billy is a gifted student in a school that does not have a gifted program. Billy's teacher is very aware of his giftedness and desires to meet his gifted learning needs. In Billy's 7th grade math class, his teacher has given him a math extension packet. It provides math problems that are accelerated and challenging. Billy works on this packet away from the teacher-led class. Billy and his teacher have signed a contract agreeing on the purpose of the work and the expectations of Billy during this extension time.

For further information on heterogeneous grouping of gifted students:

The National Association for Gifted Children offers an in-depth discussion on how to provide gifted services on a lower budget. [|Heterogeneous Grouping]

An article in Educational Leadership Publication by ASCD on options for grouping gifted students. [|Grouping Gifted Students]

Davis, G. A, Rimm S. B., & Siegle, D. (2011). //Education of the Gifted and Talented, 6th Edition.// Indianapolis: Pearson.

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