Total School Cluster Grouping and Differentiation: A Comprehensive, Research-based Plan for Raising Student Achievement and Improving Teacher Practices

The Total School Cluster Grouping Model is a specific, research-based, total-school application of cluster grouping combined with differentiation, focused on meeting the needs of students identified as gifted while also improving teaching, learning, and achievement of all students.

This revised and updated second edition of Total School Cluster Grouping and Differentiation includes rationale and research followed by specific steps for developing site-specific applications that will make the important art of differentiation possible by reducing the range of achievement levels in teachers' classrooms. Materials to support staff development―including powerful simulations, evaluation, management, special populations, differentiation strategies, social and emotional needs, and recommended materials―are included.

Marcia Gentry is the director of the Gifted Education Resource Institute and professor of educational studies at Purdue University. Her research has focused on the use of cluster grouping and differentiation, the application of gifted education pedagogy to improve teaching and learning, student perceptions of school, and nontraditional services and underserved populations.

Dr. Mann is the Co-Director of the Gifted Education Resource Institute and an Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at Purdue University where she oversees the PreKindergarten through 12th grade talent development programs and the gifted and talented licensure program. In addition, she presents regularly at state and national conferences including the National Association for Gifted Children, Confratute, and the DISCOVER! Institute.