Has anyone read this?
The Cluster Grouping Handbook: A Schoolwide Model: How to Challenge Gifted Students and Improve Achievement for All
Susan Winebrenner (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Cluster-Grouping-Handbook-Schoolwide-Achievement/dp/1575422794
I've read her book "Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom" and am wondering how this is different.

I went to a school meeting and saw a MAP report which confirmed what I've long suspected. There's a significant percentage of students at the school who are projected to be above the state standard ("proficiency") but are below their individual growth index. Placement decisions at the school are based on achieving "balanced" classrooms and I think this is contributing to many students not meeting their target growth. It seems that Cluster Grouping could help but I'm sure I'd have to make a strong case to change what seems to be a long standing practice.