Talent Development & Enrichment

What is Cluster Grouping?

The Total School Cluster Grouping approach is a comprehensive, research-based plan for raising student achievement for all students and improving teacher practices. This methodology focuses on talent development of all students and staff and not about identification of gifted learners.  

• Provide full-time services to high-achieving and high-ability elementary students.
• Help all students improve their academic achievement and educational self-efficacy.
• Help teachers more effectively and efficiently meet the diverse needs of their students.
• Weave gifted education and talent development “know-how” into the fabric of all educational practices in the school. 
• Improve representation of traditionally underserved students identified over time as above average and high achieving.

Gentry, M. (2014) Total School Cluster Grouping & Differentiation. Second Edition.

Please use the following websites for more information about Dr. Marcia Gentry and her work.

• Park View Total School Cluster Grouping Presentation
• Total School Cluster Grouping Chapter One
• Total School Cluster Grouping Chapter
• What We're Getting Wrong About Gifted Education

What are Advanced Pathways at the Middle School?

The middle school will now offer two different instructional pathways for both math and English Language Arts.  These pathways are designed to meet the instructional needs of all students. The focus for both sections will be a thorough mastery of content in preparation for success in high school.

How are students placed into the different Advanced Pathways?

Student placement will be completed through a two-phase process.  The district will use an initial identifier based on student performance on the various assessments that have been provided during their academic career at Park View.  Additionally, any student that does not qualify during the first phase will participate in a second phase identification process. This process will involve students completing a performance task English Language Arts and math.  Students who demonstrate mastery on this performance task will also be included in the respective advanced pathway.  

How are students placed into the different Advanced Pathways?

Student placement will be completed through a two-phase process.  The district will use an initial identifier based on student performance on the various assessments that have been provided during their academic career at Park View.  Additionally, any student that does not qualify during the first phase will participate in a second phase identification process. This process will involve students completing a performance task English Language Arts and math.  Students who demonstrate mastery on this performance task will also be included in the respective advanced pathway.  

How will the district serve gifted students?

Students that are found to be gifted will have adaptations made to current programming to meet their instructional needs.  This could result in specialized instruction, adaptations to current schedules or classes at the high school.

What are Advanced Pathways at the Middle School?

The middle school will now offer two different instructional pathways for both math and English Language Arts.  These pathways are designed to meet the instructional needs of all students. The focus for both sections will be a thorough mastery of content in preparation for success in high school.

How are students placed into the different Advanced Pathways?

Student placement will be completed through a two-phase process.  The district will use an initial identifier based on student performance on the various assessments that have been provided during their academic career at Park View.  Additionally, any student that does not qualify during the first phase will participate in a second phase identification process. This process will involve students completing a performance task English Language Arts and math.  Students who demonstrate mastery on this performance task will also be included in the respective advanced pathway.

How will the district serve gifted students?

Students that are found to be gifted will have adaptations made to current programming to meet their instructional needs.  This could result in specialized instruction, adaptations to current schedules or classes at the high school.