"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."

—Tony Poole, Principal

Sky 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."

—H. Lynn Erickson, Educational Consultant

Author 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."

—Jay McTighe, Educational Consultant

Coauthor of Understanding by Design

Engage 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 PreK–12 learners′ analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills in each subject area


• Provides a framework for planning differentiated curriculum


• Includes examples of curriculum units, sample rubrics, and tables to help implement the PCM model

The Parallel Curriculum effectively promotes educational equity and excellence by ensuring that all students are adequately challenged and supported through a multidimensional, high-quality curriculum.