Aspen Creek is in its second year piloting a new way of grouping students in 1st-8th grade. In an effort to narrow the range of abilities in each classroom, students will be clustered which will allow teachers to be more effective because they are teaching a class of students from a narrower range of learning levels.

The benefits of a school-wide cluster model have been well researched and documented. Many staff members spent time in a book study using Susan Winebrenner and Dina Brulles’ book The Cluster Grouping Handbook: How to challenge gifted students and improve achievement for all. We are also receiving ongoing district support from Jenn Barr, director of Advanced Academic Services.

When teachers have more training in how to differentiate the curriculum and the pacing for every student, it ensures that learning success can be within the reach of all learners.

Some documented benefits of a cluster grouping model include:

ü  Opportunity for academic leadership for every learner

ü  More focused and inclusionary support

ü  Increasing overall achievement by raising expectations

ü  Professional development for all staff members around differentiating

ü  Teachers attuned to differentiating instruction are more likely to provide appropriate learning opportunities

ü  Providing social, emotional and academic advantages

ü  Full-time cost-effective program to better meet the needs of each student

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Arreola, the Talented and Gifted Education Advisor or a school administrator.  Jennifer.arreola@bvsd.org

Click here to visity the BVSD TAG page. This page has links to TAG resources for both parents and students.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SCGM

What is SCGM?

With the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model (SCGM), all students are purposely placed into classrooms based on their abilities, potential, or achievement. Research suggests that this benefits all students in the grade level by increasing the opportunity for planned differentiation due to the reduction in the range of ability levels in the classroom.

What does an SCGM classroom look like?

SCGM classroom compositions are carefully structured with two main goals: to ensure that there is a balance throughout the grade level and to reduce the learning range found in any given classroom. This system provides opportunities for teachers to more readily respond to the needs of all their students.   

Why is Aspen Creek implementing the SCGM?

At Aspen Creek we are always striving to maximize individual student success and tailor our instruction and expectations to meet the needs of every child.  Using the SCGM, all teachers are able to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of their smaller range of learners.  This means more time to focus on students’ individual needs.

How will this model help my child?

The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model improves student performance across the board because it implements higher expectations for all students. This is done by reducing the range of achievement in every classroom and allowing teachers to differentiate for a smaller range of the learning spectrum. Professional development for this model is provided to all staff, creating a cohesive program school-wide.

Why was Aspen Creek chosen to implement the SCGM?
Aspen Creek had a large number of teachers who attended Susan Winebrenner's presentation of the SCGM and were interested in implementing this model. The district took a large amount of data from forums that took place across the district.  The idea of using a cluster model came up over and over again.  The Schoolwide Cluster Model research has shown growth for all groups of students in the schools that utilized the model (over 100 nationwide).  Aspen Creek was a logical place for this to be put into place in a lab setting.

How were the teachers chosen who will teach the TAG students?
Initially, teachers who have had training in working with TAG students volunteered to be their classroom teachers. In some cases, all teachers at a grade level have gone through training. Our expectation is that our entire staff will continue to learn the most effective ways to reach all learners.

My child has always had the opportunity to be grouped by ability in certain subjects.  Will this option still be available?
Grade level teachers have always worked together to provide the best instruction for all of their students. This will not change. Many grade levels will continue to group children according to their learning needs when appropriate.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

Every grade level team at Aspen Creek has an SCGM specialist who you can talk to if you have any further questions.  We are committed to diligently answering any questions in a timely manner. 

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