PCM+Effectiveness

Parallel Curriculum Model

//From the field experiments: “More extensive research is needed to assess the effectiveness of PCM curriculum to impact student achievement. Although we were are certain that Project CONN-CEPT developed high-quality curriculum, scientifically-based research still must be conducted to establish its robustness when compared to a comparison group of students using other curriculum materials” (Renzulli p. 594). // //"The possibilities are limitless" (Imbeau p. 9). //

Effectiveness Across Grade Levels

As with any curriculum, communication and planning regarding curriculum by grade level must take place. Tomlinson reminds us that “curriculum that is developed around the essential concepts and skills of a discipline, aligned with state and national standards, and sequenced and paced to address the cognitive needs of al students, is one way to define rigor” (p. 593). In each grade level, the Parallel Curriculum Model can serve as building blocks for the students as they continue to expand their ideas, conceptual schemas, and expertise in any given discipline. From the field experiments: “More extensive research is needed to assess the effectiveness of PCM curriculum to impact student achievement. Although we were are certain that Project CONN-CEPT developed high-quality curriculum, scientifically-based research still must be conducted to establish its robustness when compared to a comparison group of students using other curriculum materials” (p. 594).

Effectiveness Across Disciplines

"A classroom teacher can use the parallels separately for different purposes, or teachers can work collectively - within grade levels, or across grade levels and subjects - to use the parallels to support the learning for all, some, or a few students" (Imbeau p. 9). Since the Parallel Curriculum Model is a curriculum model rather than a program model, it can effectively be implemented across disciplines. The PCM can be used in any discipline because it focuses on the concepts and theoretical underpinnings associated with that discipline. Students move through the stages of novice, apprentice, practitioner, and expert, and can do this in any discipline in which the model is implemented.

Examples: Discipline Effectiveness Examples

Effectiveness in Schools

The Parallel Curriculum Model would be a great option for many schools. It can be adjusted for many different cultures, beliefs, and values since it is a curriculum model. Because of the Ascending Intellectual Demand, all students can be challenged at the appropriate level and receive the help and support they need. The parallels also give schools many options on how to approach a concept.

“The PCM authors worked from the following beliefs in developing the model:


 * 1)  The fundamentals of quality curriculum for gifted students are the fundamentals of quality curriculum for virtually all students. Therefore, good curriculum for highly able students begins with quality curriculum.
 * 2) There is no single “kind” of gifted learner. Students with high potential exist in all economic, racial, and ethnic groups - as well as in many facets of exceptionality - in far greater numbers than now recognized. It is important for the field of gifted education to embrace with equal energy and commitment extension of opportunity for high performing students and discovery and development of capacity in high potential students.
 * 3) Effective curriculum should be seen both as a catalyst for recognizing and developing high potential and for extending high performance.
 * 4) Effective curriculum respects and responds to the unique characteristics and needs of individual students. Thus, effective curriculum provides support for students who encounter difficulty with content at a given time and for students who need to learn at a more rapid pace and in greater depth. It attends to students’ particular interests and encourages development of their particular talents.”

<span style="color: #030382; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">(Renzulli p. 574)

<span style="color: #030382; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Because it is formulated to address a very broad population of students, the PCM has the potential to be a very effective model in many different types of schools. The Ascending Intellectual Demand, which is essentially differentiation, also helps to accommodate a wide range of students.