Katie Beery EDG 550 Module 3 Performance Task #4 Grouping strategies Katie Beery EDG 550 Module 3 Performance Task #4

Private Schools Advantages Disadvantages Achievement tends to run higher Specific gifted and talented private schools Smaller class sizes More options of classes-especially in the arts and creative classes Cost makes it unavailable to most Not all private schools will have higher achievement or be geared towards gifted/talented

Special Classes Advantages Disadvantages Academically advantageous Incorporates grade level objectives with enrichment Personal development and skill development opportunities Increase of social and emotional development from being with intellectual peers Fear of being ostracized for being different, when they are separated from peers Some teachers of these classes may grade on the same curve as a normal class decreasing the chance of success

Cluster Grouping Advantages Disadvantages Better use of classroom teacher’s time Students can interact with intellectual peers New academic leaders emerge in other classrooms, due to the highly capable students being elsewhere Greater homogenous student mix in classrooms Better able to meet the needs of all students Increases cooperative learning Teachers can compact normal curriculum and move students accordingly without them missing anything. Teachers are not always given adequate training to work with these cluster groups Rural areas do not always have enough gifted students per grade level to create a cluster group

Temporary grouping by subject Advantages Disadvantages Students enjoy the cross class and cross grade grouping Decreases heterogeneity of the classes by subject Allowed students work with other students of similar levels Provided challenge for everyone Largely restricted to reading and math Many people against ability grouping More difficult to schedule logistically More classroom management for teachers

Pullout Programs Advantages Disadvantages Special enrichment activities Focus on acquiring new knowledge Strengthen creativity, communication skills, self concept, and critical thinking skills Increased social and emotional skills and support from being with ability peers Cost of additional staff person, usually a Gifted Coordinator Only a few hours per week Decision on what students do about missed classroom work Students may not like being separated from classmates and seen as different

References Davis, G.A, Rimm, S.B., & Siegle, D. (2011).  Education of the gifted and talented (6th ed.). New York: Pearson.