# data[].attributes.headline
I got to see a side of my students with these activities that I hadn't seen in every day class

# data[].attributes.subject
I got to see a side of my students with these activities that I hadn't seen in every day class

# data[].attributes.headline
Some parents do not understand the kids in First are not totally identified HC yet.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Some parents do not understand the kids in First are not totally identified HC yet.  

# data[].attributes.body
Some students who move to our school in 1st aren't in cluster group but are very

# data[].attributes.headline
Glad we are having conversations and PD for kids with those needs

# data[].attributes.subject
Glad we are having conversations and PD for kids with those needs

# data[].attributes.headline
Having it in the spring is better but still makes for a long day for most of the kids

# data[].attributes.subject
Having it in the spring is better but still makes for a long day for most of the kids

# data[].attributes.headline
I think spring testing is better as it helps to provide a bit more time for students to adjust to school and various testing environments. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I think spring testing is better as it helps to provide a bit more time for students to adjust to school and various testing environments. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I think these activities provide greater insight into student thinking and helping us to determine best supports 

# data[].attributes.subject
I think these activities provide greater insight into student thinking and helping us to determine best supports 

# data[].attributes.headline
Appreciate the opportunities for our teachers at all grades

# data[].attributes.subject
Appreciate the opportunities for our teachers at all grades

# data[].attributes.headline
Most teachers offer a wide variety of skills to first grade students.  I do not think clusters are necessary yet

# data[].attributes.subject
Most teachers offer a wide variety of skills to first grade students.  I do not think clusters are necessary yet

# data[].attributes.headline
If we go with clusters, it is important to try to minimize the range of instruction (I mean do not place those needing intense instructional intervention with those needing acceleration).

# data[].attributes.subject
If we go with clusters, it is important to try to minimize the range of instruction (I mean do not place those needing intense instructional intervention with those needing acceleration).

# data[].attributes.headline
Clusters are impacted by students who come in after the start of school.  We do not know these students and they are sometimes placed in cluster classes but are Tier 2 or 3 students.

# data[].attributes.subject
Clusters are impacted by students who come in after the start of school.  We do not know these students and they are sometimes placed in cluster classes but are Tier 2 or 3 students.

# data[].attributes.headline
I don't think they are working.  I think RTI is a better way to address these kids needs

# data[].attributes.subject
I don't think they are working.  I think RTI is a better way to address these kids needs

# data[].attributes.headline
Parent expectations are too high and I think by identifying kids so young, we are increasing those expectations

# data[].attributes.subject
Parent expectations are too high and I think by identifying kids so young, we are increasing those expectations

# data[].attributes.headline
Spring time is much better, but we need to do it in smaller groups.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Spring time is much better, but we need to do it in smaller groups.  

# data[].attributes.headline
I don't thing clusters are the best way to go.  We used to have a pull out/enrichment group that met a few times each week.  The  kids loved it and got to apply their higher level skills to fun and exciting projects.  

# data[].attributes.subject
I don't thing clusters are the best way to go.  We used to have a pull out/enrichment group that met a few times each week.  The  kids loved it and got to apply their higher level skills to fun and exciting projects.  

# data[].attributes.body
I second everyone's opinion that Spring is a much more appropriate time for kinders to do the CogAt Screener. However, it is still a very long time to complete an assessment.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the picture books were a helpful tool in identifying possible HC kids. However, it would be nice to have materials provided to us to use (decorating materials for Not a Box).

# data[].attributes.headline
A helpful tool, but some of the kids we thought would qualify from these activities did not based on the CogAt.    

# data[].attributes.subject
A helpful tool, but some of the kids we thought would qualify from these activities did not based on the CogAt.    

# data[].attributes.headline
It seems that some of the kids who are "labeled' HC, based on a K. test, do not qualify for the Pace program.  Maybe it is too early to label???

# data[].attributes.subject
It seems that some of the kids who are "labeled' HC, based on a K. test, do not qualify for the Pace program.  Maybe it is too early to label???

# data[].attributes.headline
I like the opportunities, but I’d like see more within our district (PSD learns).

# data[].attributes.subject
I like the opportunities, but I’d like see more within our district (PSD learns).

# data[].attributes.body
I appreciate the clusters. I think they’re working alongside differentiation within class. Allows children to work with their peers, who need different interventions, while providing opportunities to use higher level thinking skills to all children through projects or their primary mode of learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
I agree about minimizing the range of student needs, who are nonidentfied or number of children, who need intensive behavior support. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I agree about minimizing the range of student needs, who are nonidentfied or number of children, who need intensive behavior support. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I do not think that Kindergarten students should be taking a pencil paper test.

# data[].attributes.subject
I do not think that Kindergarten students should be taking a pencil paper test.

# data[].attributes.headline
The two we have a enough for us to work on to get a decent screen. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The two we have a enough for us to work on to get a decent screen. 

# data[].attributes.headline
There needs to be a different name other than Highly Capable. Every parent thinks their child is highly capable. 

# data[].attributes.subject
There needs to be a different name other than Highly Capable. Every parent thinks their child is highly capable. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Do not send a letter home stating that "Your child is not highly capable." 

# data[].attributes.subject
Do not send a letter home stating that "Your child is not highly capable." 

# data[].attributes.headline
The title of anything we do regarding screening students in kindergarten needs to truly reflect what we are screening for. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The title of anything we do regarding screening students in kindergarten needs to truly reflect what we are screening for. 

# data[].attributes.headline
The name highly capable needs to change. Every child is highly capable at something. It is misrepresenting what we are screening.

# data[].attributes.subject
The name highly capable needs to change. Every child is highly capable at something. It is misrepresenting what we are screening.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have seen the books however have not done the activity yet

# data[].attributes.subject
Have seen the books however have not done the activity yet

# data[].attributes.headline
I agree no paper pencil test for K students...not appropriate! 

# data[].attributes.subject
I agree no paper pencil test for K students...not appropriate! 

# data[].attributes.headline
students enjoyed the activities, I think every teacher should have their own copy of the books, and all materials should be provided for the activities.  

# data[].attributes.subject
students enjoyed the activities, I think every teacher should have their own copy of the books, and all materials should be provided for the activities.  

# data[].attributes.headline
More opportunities are needed for development 

# data[].attributes.subject
More opportunities are needed for development 

# data[].attributes.body
I think having the books are really helpful for guiding the beginning stages of inquiry. Also the activities that go with them allowed for every child to be engaged. Through this some other students popped up on my radar to watch.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to see more collaboration across our district from others in cluster type models and sharing of what they are doing/seeing.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that parents are seeing highly capable and accelerated or above grade level as the same thing. There isn’t clearer wording in terms of parent communication. While hicap can provide accelerated it is not always the case. And visa versa, not all accelaerated children are hicap. It’s hard for  parents to read those scores and understand.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think the picture books and lessons are a great tool as a second piece of information to determine HC. I think it is useful to help with students who are "on the fence" of qualifying. I also think all students enjoy this problem based learning.  

# data[].attributes.subject
I think the picture books and lessons are a great tool as a second piece of information to determine HC. I think it is useful to help with students who are "on the fence" of qualifying. I also think all students enjoy this problem based learning.  

# data[].attributes.headline
I think the number of students needs to be looked at carefully when determining HC Clusters... for example it makes sense to cluster 3 students but to have a cluster of 8+ is to many and creates a classroom that becomes an exception to the first grade team. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I think the number of students needs to be looked at carefully when determining HC Clusters... for example it makes sense to cluster 3 students but to have a cluster of 8+ is to many and creates a classroom that becomes an exception to the first grade team. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I think the training for the last two years has been very useful and providing different types of PD. I would love to see more collaboration opportunities between (1st) Cluster Teachers across the district (share ideas and resources)

# data[].attributes.subject
I think the training for the last two years has been very useful and providing different types of PD. I would love to see more collaboration opportunities between (1st) Cluster Teachers across the district (share ideas and resources)

# data[].attributes.headline
How are students new to the district after K being tested? If only the 1st grade cluster teachers are expected to do the book lessons. Why wouldn't all first grade teachers want to screen their students?

# data[].attributes.subject
How are students new to the district after K being tested? If only the 1st grade cluster teachers are expected to do the book lessons. Why wouldn't all first grade teachers want to screen their students?

# data[].attributes.body
The communication to parents is very challenging to deal with. The misunderstanding of the labels and the fall out of when/if their child does not fully qualify.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would like to see more collaboration around what other schools are doing with the different clusters.  I would also like more basic training and information about the district's vision for these clusters.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would like to see more collaboration around what other schools are doing with the different clusters.  I would also like more basic training and information about the district's vision for these clusters.

# data[].attributes.headline
I worry about the polarization of the clusters for HC and ELL.  In our school we have a growing ELL population and the clusters are large.  These clusters are pulling high and low performing students away from other classes and the models that they provide.  For example, in HC classes, students who are not "HC" might feel that they are low, when in fact they are on target.  In my ELL class I have a hard time spreading out my ELL kids so that they have strong language models.

# data[].attributes.subject
I worry about the polarization of the clusters for HC and ELL.  In our school we have a growing ELL population and the clusters are large.  These clusters are pulling high and low performing students away from other classes and the models that they provide.  For example, in HC classes, students who are not "HC" might feel that they are low, when in fact they are on target.  In my ELL class I have a hard time spreading out my ELL kids so that they have strong language models.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have not seen these performance/creative thinking tasks.  This is new information to me.  I am worried that my students are missing out on an opportunity if I have not received these lessons.  Is this something all teachers are supposed to be doing?

# data[].attributes.subject
I have not seen these performance/creative thinking tasks.  This is new information to me.  I am worried that my students are missing out on an opportunity if I have not received these lessons.  Is this something all teachers are supposed to be doing?

# data[].attributes.body
Concerned regarding the students that k indicates as hicap are not being fully explored once they go into first. Does first have all students assessed or is it just teacher recommendations?

# data[].attributes.headline
It is nice having it in the spring but the format is still inappropriate for kindergarten. Paper/pencil/bubble tests leave too much room for error and does not give an accurate picture of what they know.  It also seems like a lot of pressure on kids.  Even when we don't make a big deal about it at school a lot of times it is emphasized at home.

# data[].attributes.subject
It is nice having it in the spring but the format is still inappropriate for kindergarten. Paper/pencil/bubble tests leave too much room for error and does not give an accurate picture of what they know.  It also seems like a lot of pressure on kids.  Even when we don't make a big deal about it at school a lot of times it is emphasized at home.

# data[].attributes.headline
I love doing these projects.  I feel like I get an idea of who thinks outside the box.  It is fun for the kids and it is fun for me to take the time to hear about their thinking.

# data[].attributes.subject
I love doing these projects.  I feel like I get an idea of who thinks outside the box.  It is fun for the kids and it is fun for me to take the time to hear about their thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
Paper and pencil tests do not test highly capable characteristics, especially in Kindergarten.

# data[].attributes.headline
First grade rather than Kindergarten need to test ALL. Besides, first grade team does not pay attention to what we say and does not test the kiddos we see as having HC characteristics.

# data[].attributes.subject
First grade rather than Kindergarten need to test ALL. Besides, first grade team does not pay attention to what we say and does not test the kiddos we see as having HC characteristics.

# data[].attributes.headline
Love the books and projects. Great way to actually see the HC characteristics in action.

# data[].attributes.subject
Love the books and projects. Great way to actually see the HC characteristics in action.

# data[].attributes.headline
Training has been helpful and gave good insight as to the characteristics we are looking for in HC students.

# data[].attributes.subject
Training has been helpful and gave good insight as to the characteristics we are looking for in HC students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Paper and pencil tests are a poor indicator of highly capable people whether young or old.

# data[].attributes.subject
Paper and pencil tests are a poor indicator of highly capable people whether young or old.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lots of parents are not understanding the true meaning of highly capable. Even some teachers are confusing HC with high achieving. I would like to see us change this "label" to something easier for all to understand

# data[].attributes.subject
Lots of parents are not understanding the true meaning of highly capable. Even some teachers are confusing HC with high achieving. I would like to see us change this "label" to something easier for all to understand

# data[].attributes.headline
District needs to re-think separating these students from their peers. All students would benefit from having everyone together instead of segregated. Putting all highly capable into one class is making uneven classes and not giving students a chance to interact with all types of people as they have to do in the real world

# data[].attributes.subject
District needs to re-think separating these students from their peers. All students would benefit from having everyone together instead of segregated. Putting all highly capable into one class is making uneven classes and not giving students a chance to interact with all types of people as they have to do in the real world

# data[].attributes.headline
I do not believe that the CogAT  should be given to kindergarteners. As far as I can tell students who qualify in Kindergarten may not qualify later and vise versa. A paper pencil test that requires a full day is not beneficial. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I do not believe that the CogAT  should be given to kindergarteners. As far as I can tell students who qualify in Kindergarten may not qualify later and vise versa. A paper pencil test that requires a full day is not beneficial. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I think the performance based tasks are more telling than the CogAT.  Kids can either guess on everything or not even try.

# data[].attributes.subject
I think the performance based tasks are more telling than the CogAT.  Kids can either guess on everything or not even try.

# data[].attributes.headline
I do not think this is appropriate but if it has to be done it should definitely take place in the Spring to allow time for more growth.

# data[].attributes.subject
I do not think this is appropriate but if it has to be done it should definitely take place in the Spring to allow time for more growth.

# data[].attributes.headline
I like these activities because you can really see HC traits at work.

# data[].attributes.subject
I like these activities because you can really see HC traits at work.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think this is a great way to assess for HC characteristics. I have seen these lessons take place in action and it is very effective.

# data[].attributes.subject
I think this is a great way to assess for HC characteristics. I have seen these lessons take place in action and it is very effective.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think that district wide, we are encouraged to differentiate anyway.  I think that all teachers could benefit from more HC training.

# data[].attributes.subject
I think that district wide, we are encouraged to differentiate anyway.  I think that all teachers could benefit from more HC training.

# data[].attributes.headline
Joy's organization and complete understanding of HC students makes the training beneficial and new.

# data[].attributes.subject
Joy's organization and complete understanding of HC students makes the training beneficial and new.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have seen clustering done effectively in my past school/district. I would be open to trying this to help meet the needs of all students.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have seen clustering done effectively in my past school/district. I would be open to trying this to help meet the needs of all students.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would love more in depth PD offered for teachers.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would love more in depth PD offered for teachers.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think this is very productive talk to have to determine the best way to meet all of our students' needs.

# data[].attributes.subject
I think this is very productive talk to have to determine the best way to meet all of our students' needs.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think that parents are confused about what the test is really measuring.

# data[].attributes.subject
I think that parents are confused about what the test is really measuring.

# data[].attributes.body
I don't think it should be done in Kindergarten. It's very young to identify and gives parents certain expectations for 1st grade.

# data[].attributes.body
I think all students in 1st grade should take the test in January or later. It's more appropriate to identify them later rather than in Kindergarten. It would identify a more accurate group of kids.

# data[].attributes.headline
I don't think it should be done in Kindergarten.  It's very young to identify since if a child has preschool they may score higher for awhile, but not necessarily be HC.  I've already had a couple of students who later didn't test out on the CoGat and the parents are disappointed and confused.  Kids can be kids for awhile and then by 3rd it seems more appropriate. I've noticed a lot of parent competition and pushing to get into the program even more now as well.  A lot of pressure for 6 year olds. First and 2nd could have a pull-out group/ challenge group specialist for all students to see who actually thinks that way during those two years before taking the test for 3rd grade placement. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I don't think it should be done in Kindergarten.  It's very young to identify since if a child has preschool they may score higher for awhile, but not necessarily be HC.  I've already had a couple of students who later didn't test out on the CoGat and the parents are disappointed and confused.  Kids can be kids for awhile and then by 3rd it seems more appropriate. I've noticed a lot of parent competition and pushing to get into the program even more now as well.  A lot of pressure for 6 year olds. First and 2nd could have a pull-out group/ challenge group specialist for all students to see who actually thinks that way during those two years before taking the test for 3rd grade placement. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I don't think it should be done in Kindergarten.  It's very 

# data[].attributes.subject
I don't think it should be done in Kindergarten.  It's very 

# data[].attributes.headline
I enjoy these projects for the whole class to see who thinks outside the box and find out how each student thinks it out.

# data[].attributes.subject
I enjoy these projects for the whole class to see who thinks outside the box and find out how each student thinks it out.

# data[].attributes.headline
We all differentiate.  I think it would be great to let the little ones - 1st and 2nd - enjoy school and all the new activities across the board they need to learn with classroom differentiation as always, without the added parent pressure for them at such a young age.  

# data[].attributes.subject
We all differentiate.  I think it would be great to let the little ones - 1st and 2nd - enjoy school and all the new activities across the board they need to learn with classroom differentiation as always, without the added parent pressure for them at such a young age.  

# data[].attributes.headline
Joy does a great job with her trainings. I still believe we are identifying students too young, though.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Joy does a great job with her trainings. I still believe we are identifying students too young, though.  

# data[].attributes.headline
It's great to provide challenges to students that need it and to modify lessons for those who need it.  I worry that we are trying to group ALL students into "Like" groups these days.  Math groups, Reading groups, HC, Writing, ELL etc.    I notice that it is getting hard to create healthy classrooms with a good mix/balance.  We can all learn from each other - especially when they are so young!

# data[].attributes.subject
It's great to provide challenges to students that need it and to modify lessons for those who need it.  I worry that we are trying to group ALL students into "Like" groups these days.  Math groups, Reading groups, HC, Writing, ELL etc.    I notice that it is getting hard to create healthy classrooms with a good mix/balance.  We can all learn from each other - especially when they are so young!

# data[].attributes.headline
As students get older, it becomes more evident who REALLY qualifies for cluster or PACE or other specific classrooms.  When they are so young - they are still evolving but the parents are "pushing" already and these very young students can definitely feel the pressure.  The parents are very disappointed when it looks as though they weren't really HC afterall when they take the CogAT!  A good pullout class might work better or let the children learn to be "students" for the first couple years and then differentiate with what the testing shows when they are a bit older. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As students get older, it becomes more evident who REALLY qualifies for cluster or PACE or other specific classrooms.  When they are so young - they are still evolving but the parents are "pushing" already and these very young students can definitely feel the pressure.  The parents are very disappointed when it looks as though they weren't really HC afterall when they take the CogAT!  A good pullout class might work better or let the children learn to be "students" for the first couple years and then differentiate with what the testing shows when they are a bit older. 

# data[].attributes.body
Spring testing is much better for the Kindergarten students.

# data[].attributes.body
Love these activities. Very engaging; however, did not always match the results seen on the CogAT screener.

# data[].attributes.body
agree with the above post.

# data[].attributes.body
The training has been great. It really is just good teaching for all.

# data[].attributes.body
Identifying the kids so young does not feel right. Often the CogAT and the picture book based tasks to not match. I think K/1 teachers need to have training on and differentiate instruction as needed for each individual child. We often set up our cluster groups for first grade and these students do not end up being HC. I think we need to give the students more time to develop as a student and teachers more time to observe students...then we can use all the data we have to make recommendations for HC. No clusters needed in first grade.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think they should be blended in with all classes in first grade. All children would benefit from the activities

# data[].attributes.subject
I think they should be blended in with all classes in first grade. All children would benefit from the activities

# data[].attributes.headline
want to meet with other HC teachers in person to share what people are doing. 

# data[].attributes.subject
want to meet with other HC teachers in person to share what people are doing. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I think that the screener should be pushed to later in first grade or done in Second grade. Let them be children and not handle the parents stress! 

# data[].attributes.subject
I think that the screener should be pushed to later in first grade or done in Second grade. Let them be children and not handle the parents stress! 

# data[].attributes.headline
My main concern, as you already know, is the "timing" of when it is best of offer the PACE class to young children.  From my experience these past two years, and moving into this third year, it does appear that giving most of the children we would consider for the PACE class the extra time to continue to develop as "whole children" amongst typically developing peers until the 3rd grade may be in their best interest, relative to their social and emotional development.  You, Jen and I have had this discussion several times before and I believe their is value in looking at it from this perspective. I do think that there may the occasion when a 2nd grade student would be best served in the PACE class. 

# data[].attributes.subject
My main concern, as you already know, is the "timing" of when it is best of offer the PACE class to young children.  From my experience these past two years, and moving into this third year, it does appear that giving most of the children we would consider for the PACE class the extra time to continue to develop as "whole children" amongst typically developing peers until the 3rd grade may be in their best interest, relative to their social and emotional development.  You, Jen and I have had this discussion several times before and I believe their is value in looking at it from this perspective. I do think that there may the occasion when a 2nd grade student would be best served in the PACE class. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I feel like it's too early in their school career to do the paper pencil test.  Screeners would be ok and then we pass info. to Joy....

# data[].attributes.subject
I feel like it's too early in their school career to do the paper pencil test.  Screeners would be ok and then we pass info. to Joy....

# data[].attributes.headline
Makes perfect sense.  Helps us to understand more about student's thinking

# data[].attributes.subject
Makes perfect sense.  Helps us to understand more about student's thinking

# data[].attributes.headline
Not sure........not enough communication with first grade to know about it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Not sure........not enough communication with first grade to know about it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Joy is always so informative and knowlegable....I look forward to more.

# data[].attributes.subject
Joy is always so informative and knowlegable....I look forward to more.

# data[].attributes.headline
I like getting hands on activities to do with kids right away!

# data[].attributes.subject
I like getting hands on activities to do with kids right away!