ABSTRACT
Appropriate staff development and support can be the difference between success and failure. The staff development aspect of implementing an enrichment cluster program can be both formal and informal and should respond to the needs of those involved. This chapter offers specific suggestions and activities in the following six categories: Developing Capacity; Enhancing Understanding, Knowledge, and Background; Putting Information Into Context; Putting Knowledge to Work; Creating Ongoing Support; and Using Evaluation Data to Improve the Program. When implementing a new enrichment cluster program, everyone needs to have the same information regarding the philosophy, goals, intentions, and expected outcomes. One of the most effective means of helping facilitators incorporate advanced content and authentic methods into their clusters is to help them define these goals early in the program. Evaluation from the students' perspectives is important because clusters are student centered and student driven. It is important to develop an evaluation plan for the program.
