Cluster classrooms are provided in North Mason School District for students identified at a specific grade level and are clustered together within a mixed ability classroom to provide the opportunity for highly capable/gifted students to be with others who think the same way they do as well as receive instruction that is appropriate to their individual intellectual level.

How will the curriculum be differentiated for the Cluster students?

Teachers use a variety of different methods to differentiate their instruction within the classroom. The following represent some of the strategies used and are found to be beneficial for highly capable students:

Ability/Achievement Grouping
Curriculum Compacting
Cooperative Learning Groups
Complex Tasks
Extension Assignments/Learning Contracts
Greater breath and depth of subject matter (still addressing the Washington State Standards)
Literature Circles/Literacy Blocks
Mentoring

What are some of the benefits of this program?

Cluster students are not pulled out of the classroom which supports the students social emotional need of not being seen as different. All students within the classroom receive instruction at the appropriate level of challenge and students are able to work with various groupings dependent on their needs and the learning objectives. Cluster classrooms also provide students the opportunity to become more self-directed.

How does my child qualify for a cluster classroom?

All students who are assessed for a highly capable designation will be identified using a combination of cognitive ability (NNAT3), specific academic achievement (Smarter Balanced Assessment, FastBridge Reading and iReady Math Screeners), behavior scales (Renzulli Scales). These measures are reviewed in order for placement and services to be provided.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact the Highly Capable Services Coordinator:

Savannah Elliott

360-277-2110

North Mason School District

Elementary Highly Capable Program

What is a Cluster Classroom?

Testing and Placement