An indispensable resource from the foremost expert on differentiation From pre-assessments of students' needs, interests, and learning profiles, to instructional strategies and on-going assessment ideas, to task cards, rubrics, and final assessments, everything you need to successfully differentiate is here. Full of classroom-tested tips and tools for preparing the classroom, establishing routines, setting goals with students, selecting teaching approaches, making and managing flexible groups, choosing and managing materials, and more, this is the go-to guide for managing a differentiated classroom. For use with Grades K-8.

'The Parallel Curriculum Model helps teachers not only strengthen their knowledge and pedagogy, but also rediscover a passion for their discipline based on their deeper, more connected understanding. Our students think critically and deeply at a level I have never before witnessed.'uTony Poole, PrincipalSky Vista Middle School, Aurora, CO'What makes this book unique is its insistence on the development of conceptual understanding of content and its focus on the abilities, interests, and learning preferences of each student.'uH. Lynn Erickson, Educational ConsultantAuthor of Stirring the Head, Heart, and Soul'The approach honors the integrity of the disciplines while remaining responsive to the diversity of learners that teachers encounter.'uJay McTighe, Educational ConsultantCoauthor of Understanding by DesignEngage students with a rich curriculum that strengthens their capacity as learners and thinkers!Based on the premise that every learner is somewhere on a path toward expertise in a content area, this resource promotes a curriculum model for developing the abilities of all students and extending the abilities of students who perform at advanced levels. The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) offers four curriculum parallels that incorporate the element of Ascending Intellectual Demand to help teachers determine current student performance levels and develop intellectual challenges to move learners along a continuum toward expertise. Updated throughout and reflecting state and national content standards, this new edition:Helps teachers design learning experiences that develop PreKu12 learners' analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills in each subject areaProvides a framework for planning differentiated curriculumIncludes examples of curriculum units, sample rubrics, and tables to help implement the PCM modelThe Parallel Curriculum effectively promotes educational equity and excellence by ensuring that all students are adequately challenged and supported through a multidimensional, high-quality curriculum.

"This book is comprehensive, rich and engaging. Quality teaching follows from quality planning, and this is the resource you need for cutting-edge curriculum design." -Lynn Erickson, Curriculum Consultant Mill Creek, WA "I am delighted to incorporate this book into my graduate courses as I train teachers to design instruction that guides students through rigorous and authentic learning." -Thomas P. Hebert, Professor Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA A powerful model for linking student learning to the world How would classrooms be different if curriculum could be qualitatively differentiated so that learners not only accumulate information, but also experience the power of knowledge? The empirically based Parallel Curriculum Model shows teachers how to create a meaningful, emotive, and engaging curriculum that helps children apply what they learn to their lives. Each chapter offers specific unit and lesson plans created by master elementary teachers that can be put into practice immediately. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that: Focus on parallel themes in literacy, science, mathematics, and social studies Help students deepen knowledge, think metaphorically, solve problems, and identify with subject matter Challenge all learners according to their interests and abilities Create authentic, joyful, and active student involvement All students should have the opportunity to benefit from multi-faceted learning experiences and this inspiring book gives educators the methods to make it happen. The text is rich with vignettes, visuals, samples, reproducibles, and assessment tools. The possibilities are unlimited!