Implementation+of+PCM

The Parallel Curriculum Model can look very different in every classroom/school.

“When planning PCM units, all four parallels must be rooted in the concepts and principles of the discipline(s) on which the curriculum focuses. That does not, mean, however, that the Core Parallel must always be taught first. It is quite possible to design a Practice unit through which students learn about and apply key concepts and principles. Thus the parallels may be used in any order. One teacher might begin a unit or a year with Core experiences and then more to Practice experiences, and conclude with a focus on Connections. Another teacher might elect to begin a unit or year with Connections and move to Identity. While all PCM curriculum stems from the key concepts and principles of a discipline, it is not the case that the Core must be taught first—simply that concepts and disciplines serve as organizers for whatever parallel teachers and students are exploring” (Renzulli, p.575).

__**Schools currently using the PCM**__ The Parallel Curriculum Model is implemented at **Fox Ridge Middle School** and **Sky Vista Middle School**, both located in Colorado. The websites for both schools state that "Although [the PCM] was developed for gifted and talented students, Fox Ridge uses PCM school-wide because we believe every student should be challenged at a high level and have the opportunity to receive the finest education possible. It make no sense to expect every child to achieve at a high level if we don't teach them at a high level" (Cherry Creek School District, 2011). Fox Ridge uses all four parallels across the grade levels. For further information on Fox Ridge Middle School's use of the PCM visit []or [].

Interestingly enough, it is difficult to find many schools currently using the Parallel Curriculum Model. The most common area that appears to be using the PCM is Colorado. However, there are many schools using elements of the PCM!