PARALLEL CURRICULUM MODEL (PCM)
-Developed by: Tomlinson, Kaplan, Renzulli, Purcell, Leppein, Burns, Strickland, Imbeau-
A straightforward way to design learning activities that allow for increasing intellectual demand in high-ability learners.
Core
Connections
Practice
Identity
Meet The Team
Pre-assess (informal or formal)
- Whiteboards, exit slips, discussions, mind maps, peer assessment, four corners, response logs, etc.
Create CONNECTION activities - cultures, events, people/perspectives, arts or other disciplines, sports, hobbies, different time periods, locations, etc.
Allow students to PRACTICE in a specific discipline using real-world examples
- architect, engineer, graphic designer, travel agent, lawyer, chef, critic, etc.
Determine the CORE activities that everyone will be doing
- content, assessments, learning activities, extensions
All students to PRACTICE in a specific discipline using real-world examples
- architect, engineer, graphic designer, travel agent, lawyer, chef, critic, etc.
Consider IDENTITY by integrating student interests, goals, and strengths
-
NOW WHAT?
Teachers choose a unit of study and fill in a table, like the one found below, with activities related to each parallel. Students can use the table like a menu of differentiated activities from which to choose. They are not expected to complete all of the options but this varies depending on their abilities, strengths, and individual needs. The PCM is differentiation that can provide personalized enrichment and/or acceleration.
Core
Connections
Practice
Identity
A special thank you to Dr. David Maddock and his presentation at GLIMPSE PD on 4/27/24 for the practical steps and application of PCM.