The Pros and Cons of aThe Pros and Cons of a Consultation Model 101
Ann Cutten, Sanford School Dept. Sanford, ME
[email protected] England Conference, 2013
URL: www.megat.org/gogreen.html
What is a consultation model?
Resource consultation and collaboration, the pooling of expertise among all school staff
in order to do more for students, is emerging as a popular service delivery
strategy in gifted education programming.
- Mary Landrum Slade
Why Consult?Changes in general education
Expeditionary or Project based learningStandards or proficiency based Student centeredMove at your own pace
Many changes in general education mirror GT pedagogy from back in the 80sNew, more inclusive/extensive definitions of giftednessBudget cuts
The Cons of a Consultation Model
Not direct services, less contact with the kidsStaff needs to be much more educated to the needs of the giftedTakes a lot of time to transform the community perceptions of GT
People don’t have a clear idea what you doHard to explain what you doPeople keep asking when you are taking the GT kids
Other???
Philosophical shiftNot pull out (kids aren’t gifted 45 minutes per week)Education of all teachers
Joint “ownership” of studentsFocus on student needs in and out of the classroom, not just academic needsWorking “behind the scenes” instead of directly with students
You have to believe in this philosophy for it to work.
Consider…
Think about how services for high-end learners can be integrated into the fabric of the larger system. Talking about educating ALL students to their full potential builds community support rather than alienating the gifted.
Our Program Structure
Flexible identification Focus on needs of studentsPriority kidsHigh ability pool
Differentiation with support as primary mode of serviceBelief in and support for classroom teachers (partnership)Professional development Meld academic, social and emotional components
What is the role of the consultant?
Resource, and resource provider, for teachers, administration etc.Partner with classroom teachers
(not co-teacher)
“Guidance counselor” Advocate “Expert” in gifted education and differentiation “Pioneer” of new policyHelp coordinate learning options like service learning, etc
Student Needs and Differentiation
Identify gifted students and their needs
What needs are not being met in the classroom?
Programming must be fluid and flexible based on the needs of the current students.
Build programming around the needs of priority students but offer the options to other students when “available and appropriate”.
Build Bridges and Make Connections
Respect/value/acknowledge the role of the classroom teacherMeet teachers, etc., where they areUnderstand trends, programming, components of regular ed Volunteer* for a variety of committees such as RtI, curriculum, professional development, etc
*some of these committees are part of our job description
Be aware of, and communicate, the “state of the state” of gifted edBecome a resource to the district – stay current in the field of gifted ed and its direction/future
Communication
Request/be available for meetings with…
Administrative teams
Teacher teams or departments
School Board
Parents
Students
PET meetings
Guidance and support staff
You MUST have KnowledgeNeeds of gifted
Academic, Social and Emotional
Twice Exceptional, underachievement, etc.
Differentiation Especially pretesting, curriculum compacting and grading accommodations
Acceleration (A Nation Deceived)
Classroom issues and grading policies
All curricula – regular ed and gifted ed
Professional Development
Book groups
Insidious/informal
Purple Paper Series/Smarties
Lunch meetings
Courses
“Topic Tuesdays”
Small and large meetings
Flexibility
Keep a flexible schedule. Need to be available for meetings with kids, teachers and administrators at their convenience.Be visible and available. Attend faculty/team/ grade level meetings from time to time, especially if in more than one building.Learn how to say “yes” without compromising your beliefs/standards/timeUse your sense of humorForget your ego
Be Proactive
Know what’s going on with local, state and national educational initiatives and trends (not just G/T)Understand that much of what is new in regular ed is an outgrowth of the pedagogy of gifted and talented educationDetermine your position/role in standards-based education; take on leadership roles as available and appropriateStay current in the field, and educate those around you to what is happening in gifted ed
Top Related