The Parallel Curriculum Model
What is it?
A four-part model used to provide students with a “complete picture” of the curriculum. They can be used individually or combined in order to extend the curriculum with a desired outcome of learning. The four parts are composed of:
1. Core Curriculum- This is the content being learned. It covers the concepts and principles aligned with the standards expected to be learned, and should be a fluid part of instruction in the classroom. Molding the Core Curriculum to be the most beneficial for gifted students would be shaping the learning to access higher levels of Blooms Taxonomy. (For more information on Bloom's, visit the Questioning page.
2. Connections- Making connections helps to extend on the content by bridging and forming generalizations about concepts. This helps make learning "lasting" by linking it to other disciplines and other ideas within a singular discipline.
3. Practice- This portion of the model is training students to think like practitioners in a given field. It is similar to Bruner's Nature of Discipline. Refining student's practice helps them master the process skills needed to fully understand a discipline.
4. Identity-This sector of the curriculum model consists of a deep awareness of where each student may stand in the developmental progress of a discipline, from beginning interest to a thorough understanding of the importance and role of a field. It targets each students' learning style and needs to help create a self-awareness in terms of a specific discipline.
Why use it?
The Parallel Curriculum Model is very accommodating to be used in different formats in the classroom. It can also be used collaboratively with both vertical and horizontal alignment.
Resources:
Karnes, F. A. & Stephens, K.R. (2008). Achieving Excellence: Educating the Gifted and Talented. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. (ISBN # 978-0-13-175562-8)
Leppien, J. (2011). Introduction to the Parallel Curriculum Model. InParallel curriculum units for mathematics, grades 6-12. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.
Karnes, F. A. & Stephens, K.R. (2008). Achieving Excellence: Educating the Gifted and Talented. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. (ISBN # 978-0-13-175562-8)
Leppien, J. (2011). Introduction to the Parallel Curriculum Model. InParallel curriculum units for mathematics, grades 6-12. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.