Parallel Curriculum Model
The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) was developed by Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson (and others) in an attempt to take lessons to a more inclusive level. The biggest advantage of this curriculum model is that it "can be adapted for any learner, subject domain, or grade level." The PCM utilizes four main components to developing high quality lesson plans, these are: Core Curriculum, Curriculum of Connections, Curriculum of Practice, and Curriculum of Identity.
Core Curriculum- Core curriculum is identified as a set of educational goals, explicitly taught (and not taught), focused on making sure that all students involved learn certain material tied to a specific age or grade level. If you are in the regular education classroom setting, you would know this as Common Core.
Curriculum of Connections- This type of curriculum is centered on making connections between the different disciplines of knowledge. This part helps the teacher and students connect overarching concepts, principles, and skills. This is designed to aid student understanding of multiple concepts, content, and principles as they relate to other areas. An example of this would be the integration of English Language Arts and Social Studies by way of informational text.
Curriculum of Practice- This piece is where students have the opportunity to put the learned knowledge into practice through an authentic experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to generate questions, draw conclusions, problem solve, and become researchers in a field of study.
Curriculum of Identity- This piece of the PCM focuses on helping the students reflect on themselves as practitioners of a particular discipline, as well as, their own lives, personal growth, and development. The goal of this curriculum is to encourage students to use metacognition to understand how well their talents served them during a particular activity. The curriculum of identity is very important to the development of gifted students as it allows them the opportunity to explore and participate in a field of study as it relates to their own interests.
Core Curriculum- Core curriculum is identified as a set of educational goals, explicitly taught (and not taught), focused on making sure that all students involved learn certain material tied to a specific age or grade level. If you are in the regular education classroom setting, you would know this as Common Core.
Curriculum of Connections- This type of curriculum is centered on making connections between the different disciplines of knowledge. This part helps the teacher and students connect overarching concepts, principles, and skills. This is designed to aid student understanding of multiple concepts, content, and principles as they relate to other areas. An example of this would be the integration of English Language Arts and Social Studies by way of informational text.
Curriculum of Practice- This piece is where students have the opportunity to put the learned knowledge into practice through an authentic experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to generate questions, draw conclusions, problem solve, and become researchers in a field of study.
Curriculum of Identity- This piece of the PCM focuses on helping the students reflect on themselves as practitioners of a particular discipline, as well as, their own lives, personal growth, and development. The goal of this curriculum is to encourage students to use metacognition to understand how well their talents served them during a particular activity. The curriculum of identity is very important to the development of gifted students as it allows them the opportunity to explore and participate in a field of study as it relates to their own interests.
Below is a sample lesson that uses the components of PCM within a Social Studies and ELA integration.
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Definition of Parallel Curriculum Model
Buy the Parallel Curriculum book written by Dr. Tomlinson
Detailed Explanation of the Parallel Curriculum Model with Vignettes
Buy the Parallel Curriculum book written by Dr. Tomlinson
Detailed Explanation of the Parallel Curriculum Model with Vignettes
Karnes, Frances A. (2008-11-01). Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted (Kindle Location 2256). Sourcebooks, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
Tangient LLC. (2013). Definition of the Parallel Curriculum Model. In GiftedEdResource. Retrieved April 21, 2013 from http://giftededresource.wikispaces.com/Definition+of+the+Parallel+Curriculum+Model.
Tangient LLC. (2013). Definition of the Parallel Curriculum Model. In GiftedEdResource. Retrieved April 21, 2013 from http://giftededresource.wikispaces.com/Definition+of+the+Parallel+Curriculum+Model.