• There is no separate GATE curriculum.
• Differentiation is about changing the way students
experience content, skills, and assessment. All students
are taught in a manner that develops critical thinking skills.
• CONTENT— What is taught
• PROCESS— How the content is
taught
• PRODUCT— What the student does
to show evidence of learning
DEFINED
Homogeneous
From the root homo meaning
same and genus meaning class
or kind
It is not a class full of “geniuses”
DEFINED
Heterogeneous
(Cluster)
From the root hetero meaning
other or different and genus
meaning class or kind
A place where all student needs,
including GATE, will be met
Homogeneous versus Cluster Grouping
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
HOMOGENEOUS
Accelerated Instruction:
• Gifted learners move quickly though curriculum content
• Opportunities to study topics more in-depth or work ahead of the
curve
Class Discussions:
• Discussions tend to have more complexity due in part to students’
ability for inferential and critical reasoning
• Advanced vocabulary
Classroom Environment:
• Competitive
• High expectations set by learners within class as well as teacher
Peers:
• Similar in academic ability which creates a sense of security and
comfort
Homogeneous versus Cluster Grouping
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
CLUSTER CLASS
Ability Level Instruction:
• Opportunities for small group and independent study of in-depth
topics
• Class pacing allows for all ability levels to excel
Class Discussions:
• Opportunities to lead whole and small group discussions
• Depth of discussions relates to range of abilities within class
Classroom Environment:
• Perceived as less threatening academically due to smaller groups of
gifted students rather than entire classroom
• Abundant leadership and role modeling opportunities
• Strong differentiation used to provide challenging learning
Peers:
• Opportunities to interact with academic peers as well as students with
various learning modalities and strengths
Homogeneous
Versus
Cluster Grouping
STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS
The following characteristics are guidelines to assist parents
in their decision as to which academic setting will best serve
the needs of their child. Students do not need to exhibit all
characteristics in one section in order to flourish. Discussing
your child’s performance and personality with their
current teacher may prove to be helpful in making your
decision.
Homogeneous
Versus
Cluster Grouping
STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS
HOMOGENEOUS
• Prefers academic challenges
• Does not “crumble” with less than perfect evaluations
• Well organized and uses time management skills
• Flourishes with enrichment throughout the day
• Seeks out knowledge through extension/research activities
• Loves to go above and beyond assignment requirements
• When the “bar” is raised, accepts the challenge
• Able to problem solve and advocate for self
• Comfortable with independent study, very self-motivated
Homogeneous
Versus
Cluster Grouping
STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS
CLUSTER CLASS
• Enjoys leadership roles within the class
• Well-organized and practices time-management skills
• May have various extra-curricular commitments
• Students may or may not be advanced in every academic area
• Fulfills assignment requirements and often extends assignments
above and beyond what is required
• Enjoys being one of the top students in class
• Able to achieve strong grades within a regular class without much
effort
• Prefers a balance between independent study and directed
instruction
Asynchronous Development
10 year old brain
5 year old
maturity
7 year old body
Supporting
Asynchronous Development
• Remind yourself of your child’s chronological age.
• Gifted children need emotional support as do all children,
but they also need advanced intellectual stimulation.
• Gifted children may need to have many peers: children their
own age, other gifted children, older children, or even
adults. Parents should make every effort to provide these
opportunities.
Perfectionism/Procrastination
Dichotomous Thinking
(All, or Nothing)
“Cousins”
Supporting
Perfectionism/Procrastination
• Don’t take it personally.
• Know when to quit.
• Match the time commitment to the value of
the assignment.
• Set goals and focus on improvement.
• Study the lives of eminent people.
• Enjoy the journey!
Supporting Peer Relationships
• Help your child realize they are not alone!
• There are many kinds of friends:
– Share passions
– Similarly gifted
– Mentors
– Qualities to admire
• Find volunteer opportunities to expand
world and develop confidence with many
kinds of people.
A final few recommendations…
• Treat the gifted as children
first.
• Learn the child’s
personality, academic and
social/emotional needs.
• Understand the social
milieu of school.
• Teach social skills, ways
to manage stress, and
enjoyment of
nonacademic activities.
• Create opportunities for
many kinds of
interactions.
• Model adaptive behaviors!
PUSD Goals for Gifted Students
Each student is expected to meet or exceed grade level standards in the core
subjects of language arts and mathematics.
Additionally, all GATE students are encouraged and supported to demonstrate
the following:
Skills
• Perform at or above grade level in all basic
skills areas including technology and
research skills
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving
skills
• Develop strong communication skills
• Utilize strong organization, time
management, and study skills
Knowledge
• Apply skills and knowledge in area(s) of
expertise
• Become self-aware and accept areas of
giftedness as well as areas of weakness
• Expand exploration in all content areas
• Be prepared for advanced instruction at the
secondary level
Attitudes
• Possess an enthusiasm for learning
• Display academic independence by
being self-directed, resourceful, and
confident
• Be willing to take risks
• Be tolerant of self and others
• Demonstrate leadership ability,
particularly in the area of personal
expertise
Great Internet Resources for Parents
– Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page: great site which even
includes contests and resources:
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org
– Gifted and Talented World Page: Links to hundreds of
helpful resources: http://www.gtworld.org/links.html
– California Association for the Gifted:
http://cagifted.org
– Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG):
http://www.sengifted.org/ SENG is dedicated to
fostering environments in which gifted adults and
children, in all their diversity, understand and accept
themselves and are understood, valued, nurtured, and
supported by their families, schools, workplaces and
communities.