Webinar: The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model: Challenging Gifted Students and Improving Achievement for All

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., and Susan Winebrenner, M.S., authors of The Cluster Grouping Handbook: A Schoolwide Model: How to Challenge Gifted Students and Improve Achievement for All, provide your school with a cost-effective way to provide gifted-education services that challenge gifted students on a daily basis and yield positive achievement effects for other students as well.

This two-part webinar may be viewed in any order. Each recording is approximately 55 minutes.

Part 1: Implementing and Supporting the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model
presented by Dina Brulles, Ph.D.

The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model (SCGM) is an inclusive model that serves all gifted students and enfranchises those who are commonly underrepresented in traditional gifted-education programs. The model provides full-time services to gifted students, facilitating improved achievement for all with no significant budget impact.

Learn how to implement and support the SCGM, group students for maximum achievement, prepare cluster teachers to teach in the model, and build staff and parental support.

Webinar topics include:

• Designing and maintaining an effective cluster grouping model
• Organizing and managing the gifted-cluster classroom
• Making class placements that facilitate higher achievement for all
• Providing effective professional development
• Monitoring progress and student achievement
• Evaluating effectiveness of the model

Implementation plans are included in The Cluster Grouping Handbook.  

	The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model: Challenging Gifted Students and Improving Achievement for All: Part 1 from Free Spirit Publishing. View on Vimeo.

Part 2: Teaching in the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model
presented by Susan Winebrenner, M.S.

This session describes highly effective and easy-to-manage techniques teachers at all grade levels can use to motivate and challenge students to move forward in their own achievement levels in cluster classes. Several methods described allow gifted students to document their previous mastery with grade-level standards. Other methods facilitate faster pacing and more rigor for students who need less practice with grade-level standards. Classroom management techniques also help the teacher operate in a differentiated classroom with comfort and efficiency.

Strategies covered in this webinar are included in The Cluster Grouping Handbook.   

	The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model: Challenging Gifted Students and Improving Achievement for All: Part 2 from Free Spirit Publishing. View on Vimeo.

About the Authors

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is a school administrator and gifted-education director for Arizona’s Paradise Valley Unified School District. Recognized for her expertise in creating and supervising schoolwide cluster grouping, she also assists districts throughout the United States in developing gifted-education programs, including those districts serving culturally and linguistically diverse gifted students. Learn more about Dr. Brulles.

Visit the Paradise Valley USD website for additional information, resources, and published works about the Cluster Grouping method of teaching.  

Susan Winebrenner, M.S., is a full-time consultant in staff development. She presents workshops and seminars nationally and internationally, helping educators translate educational research into classroom practice. View all award-winning books by Susan.