The Pros and Cons of aThe Pros and Cons of a Consultation Model 101

Ann Cutten, Sanford School Dept. Sanford, ME

acutten@sanford.orgNew 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