More Anecdotal Evidence to Support Cluster Grouping

Just three weeks after school had started, a 3rd grade child in the GT program at Austin Elementary came home and told his parents with a great sense of relief, “Finally, I’m not the smartest person in my class. I don’t mind helping the other kids but now they aren’t asking me for help as much. Last year they asked me for help all the time.”

Austin Elementary is one of the CISD elementary schools that has implemented the instructional practice of “cluster grouping” this academic year. Thanks to the direction and support of Principal Cheryl Locklear, GT Specialist Cathy Kirby, and several classroom teachers, the GT students’ needs are better met, just like the other students. Every single student should have their educational needs met, including those in the GT program.