Allow students to demonstrate and get credit for previous mastery of concepts. Provide opportunities for faster pacing of new material. Incorporate students' passionate interests into their independent studies. Facilitate sophisticated research investigations. Provide flexible grouping opportunities for the entire class.
Cluster grouping provides an effective complement to any gifted education program.
The resource teacher might also provide assistance to all classroom teachers in their attempts to differentiate the curriculum for students who need it. Cluster grouping may be used at all grade levels and in all subject areas. Gifted students may be clustered in one section of any heterogeneous class, especially when there are not enough students to form an advanced section for a particular subject. Cluster grouping is also a welcome option in rural settings, or wherever small numbers of gifted students make appropriate accommodations difficult. Keep in mind, however, if your school has enough gifted students for separate sections in which curriculum is accelerated, such sections should be maintained.