Gifted Program

Carden provides gifted services for all 2-8th grade students based on the Schoolwide Cluster grouping Model ( SCGM).

In the SCGM, all gifted children at each grade level are clustered together into an otherwise mixed-ability classroom with a designated gifted-cluster teacher. Gifted-cluster teachers provide individualized instruction or extended and accelerated learning opportunities as determined by the needs of the student.Gifted-cluster teachers receive specialized, ongoing training in the areas of gifted education and differentiated instruction- special teaching strategies for modifying curriculum content, pace, process, products and learning environment to meet individual gifted students’ needs.

Kindergarten and first grade students do not have gifted cluster teachers but participate in our Able Readers Program. Students are selected for this program based on teacher recommendations. Recommendations are derived through observations based on a students advanced vocabulary and reading ability.

Eligibility for the CEE program is determined based on the results from the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which measures learned reasoning and problem solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal/spatial. Teachers refer children for testing.

View our Cluster Grouping Model.