What are the disadvantages of cluster grouping?
There may be pressure from parents to have their children placed in a cluster classroom, even if they are not in the actual cluster group. Gifted students may move into the district during the school year and may not be able to be placed in the cluster classroom. These situations may be handled by: • providing training for all staff in compacting and differentiation so parents can expect those opportunities in all classes • rotating the cluster teacher assignment every 2-3 years among teachers who have had appropriate training so parents understand that many teachers are capable of teaching gifted students • rotating other students into cluster classrooms over several years Another disadvantage might arise if the cluster teachers are not expected to consistently compact and differentiate the curriculum. Their supervisor must expect them to maintain the integrity of the program, and must provide the needed support by facilitating regular meetings of cluster teachers and by providing tim
