Services.CLUE (Creative Learning in a Unique Environment) is an education program designed to meet the needs of academically talented and gifted students in the Shelby County Schools. The curriculum incorporates both group and individual strategies focusing on creative thinking, critical thinking, communication, leadership, group dynamics, and problem solving. CLUE currently serves preschool, primary, intermediate, middle, and high school students. Placement is based on individual assessment. Questions regarding CLUE services may be addressed to the local school's CLUE teacher or to the Department of Exceptional Children.
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Types of Gifted Services Provided in the CLUE Program
The information provided here describes services for the 2023-24 school year.
Primary Enrichment CLUE serves students in grades K-2. This pullout program provides gifted services for five hours per week in two blocks of 2 ½ hours that meet on alternating days at alternating times. For example, if a student has CLUE on Monday morning, the next time the class meets will be on Wednesday afternoons. Students do not have IEPs when identified for Primary Enrichment CLUE. Students who are eligible are reading two grade levels ahead based on reading scores obtained by a reading test administered by a CLUE teacher in a 1:1, face-to-face testing event.
All students go through the screening process within the third to fifth grade year and must become state-certified with a TN gifted IEP or will discontinue receiving CLUE services at the end of grade 5. The comprehensive evaluation involves collecting information from parents and teachers. In addition, the student must be given an IQ test and, when needed, achievement tests in order to meet the state’s eligibility criteria for the disability or exceptionality of intellectual giftedness.
Intermediate CLUE serves students in grades 3-5. Various teacher-created mini-studies on topics of interest and novel students are the focus for CLUE students these grades. Every study is text-based, in preparation for CLUE English in later grades. Intermediate CLUE is also a pullout program that meets twice weekly for 5 hours with each session lasting about 2 ½ hours on alternating days and alternating times.
CLUE English (Middle School/High School) serves students in grades 6-9 who have TN gifted IEPs and meet the TN Gifted Eligibility criteria. Gifted services are provided by a gifted specialist who is also certified to teach secondary English coursework. The CLUE teacher is the English teacher of record for the students on their caseload. This advanced reading/language arts program prepares students for AP coursework in all subjects due to the study of advanced vocabulary, writing, speaking, and literary analysis of both fiction and nonfiction texts. CLUE English classes should meet as often as other core subject areas, at approximately five hours per week.
CLUE English qualifies as an honors ELA course. Students earn the three bonus points added to the quarterly average for honors courses because the academic tasks align with requirements set by the TN Department of Education.
CLUE Consultation is designed to be one hour of service a month depending on the needs of the student. The IEP team can discuss various service options, as some students may require more or less time for enrichment and mentoring. Consultation is provided to students for a variety of reasons when the family of the CLUE student determines that the child is best served outside of the options listed above. This service is an option when a child wishes to remain in honors classes or when the child’s cognitive needs can best be met through 1:1 enrichment opportunities. The CLUE consultation teacher uses this hour to enhance the academic services already being provided in the regular classroom. The goals are the same as those for any other CLUE student, but grades are not given. This is also a pullout program, regardless of the grade level of the student, so every effort is made to offer this time with as little interruption as possible to core academic classes. Any child with a gifted IEP in grades PK-12 may receive consultation when the IEP team believes this service is necessary.
All students go through the screening process within the third to fifth grade year and must become state-certified with a TN gifted IEP or will discontinue receiving CLUE services at the end of grade 5. The comprehensive evaluation involves collecting information from parents and teachers. In addition, the student must be given an IQ test and, when needed, achievement tests in order to meet the state’s eligibility criteria for the disability or exceptionality of intellectual giftedness.
Intermediate CLUE serves students in grades 3-5. Various teacher-created mini-studies on topics of interest and novel students are the focus for CLUE students these grades. Every study is text-based, in preparation for CLUE English in later grades. Intermediate CLUE is also a pullout program that meets twice weekly for 5 hours with each session lasting about 2 ½ hours on alternating days and alternating times.
CLUE English (Middle School/High School) serves students in grades 6-9 who have TN gifted IEPs and meet the TN Gifted Eligibility criteria. Gifted services are provided by a gifted specialist who is also certified to teach secondary English coursework. The CLUE teacher is the English teacher of record for the students on their caseload. This advanced reading/language arts program prepares students for AP coursework in all subjects due to the study of advanced vocabulary, writing, speaking, and literary analysis of both fiction and nonfiction texts. CLUE English classes should meet as often as other core subject areas, at approximately five hours per week.
CLUE English qualifies as an honors ELA course. Students earn the three bonus points added to the quarterly average for honors courses because the academic tasks align with requirements set by the TN Department of Education.
CLUE Consultation is designed to be one hour of service a month depending on the needs of the student. The IEP team can discuss various service options, as some students may require more or less time for enrichment and mentoring. Consultation is provided to students for a variety of reasons when the family of the CLUE student determines that the child is best served outside of the options listed above. This service is an option when a child wishes to remain in honors classes or when the child’s cognitive needs can best be met through 1:1 enrichment opportunities. The CLUE consultation teacher uses this hour to enhance the academic services already being provided in the regular classroom. The goals are the same as those for any other CLUE student, but grades are not given. This is also a pullout program, regardless of the grade level of the student, so every effort is made to offer this time with as little interruption as possible to core academic classes. Any child with a gifted IEP in grades PK-12 may receive consultation when the IEP team believes this service is necessary.
We Promise You the BestMethods and strategies used within the CLUE curriculum emphasize the belief that gifted and academically talented students must be active participants in their own learning. The CLUE teacher functions as a facilitator, guide, and thought partner. Services for gifted and academically talented students are provided through a variety of models, and parents are significant partners with the school in determining the best support for a gifted student.
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