Parallel Curriculum

Another model growing rapidly in popularity and offering a rigorous course of learning is the Parallel Curriculum developed by Carol Ann Tomlinson. You can probably relate to the scene described at the beginning of the article, Although some voice doubts, advocates say differentiated instruction can raise the bar for all learners, by Mary Anne Hess.

“A seventh grade boy spends his time in English class struggling to read at a beginner’s level. A girl at a nearby desk with her nose in the book could probably tackle a Harvard literature class. Seated in between is a youngster who’s a whiz at math but takes a whole period to write three English sentences because he’s much more comfortable in his native Spanish.”

This scenario is not uncommon in today’s classrooms. You face the challenge of meeting everybody’s diverse needs and building curriculum around their strengths. In the same article, “Tomlinson says that teachers need to envision their classroom as an ‘escalator’ going higher and higher, not as a ‘stairwell’ that takes students to a certain grade-level landing where they stop. Tasks have to be respectful of kids, hands-on, engaging and thought-provoking.”

This article is filled with useful information that is in line with the Parallel Model. As you read this article,look for ways that differentiated instruction is valuable to you as a teacher. The Parallel Curriculum model is designed specifically to accomplish this goal.  It “is a set of four interrelated designs that can be used singularly, or in combination to create or revise existing curriculum units, lessons, or tasks.” Parallel Curriculum Model Overview. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from Project Central (link is not active)

The model provides teachers with flexibility, a comprehensive framework for curriculum design, evaluation and revision of existing curriculum, and enhances alignment among general, gifted, and special education program requirements.

The four Parallels in this curriculum model are:

• The Core Curriculum – the foundation and starting point
  
• The Curriculum of Connections – derived from and extending the Core Curriculum – enabling students to think about and apply key concepts
  
• The Curriculum of Practice – again, derived from and extending the Core Curriculum – with its purpose being one of promoting expertise as a practitioner
• The Curriculum of Identity – once again, derived from and extending the Core Curriculum but designed for students to make connections between the curriculum and their lives. It allows them to reflect on their skills and understand the ways in which their interests might be useful.
  

Fayetteville Public Schools in Arkansas has created an easy to read chart that explains the Parallel Curriculum that you may want to refer to when planning your lessons.
Parallel Curriculum: A Model for Curriculum. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from National Association for Gifted Children

Every district in Florida was provided with a copy of Tomlinson’s Book, The Parallel Curriculum in the Classroom (Book 1 and Book 2). This is a resource you may wish to check out for further information.

Click here to complete an interactive activity that identifies a student's profile and then presents a general lesson and a differentiated lesson based on the student's qualities.