Parallel Curriculum Units for Grades K–5


Book Description

"This book is comprehensive, rich, and engaging. Quality teaching follows 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. Hébert, 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 multifaceted 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!




Parallel Curriculum Units for Language Arts, Grades 6-12


Book Description

Sample units demonstrate how to use the Parallel Curriculum Model to design high-quality curriculum in language arts. Each unit includes instructions, assessments, and skills/standards.




Parallel Curriculum Units for Mathematics, Grades 6–12


Book Description

"Parallel Curriculum Units for Mathematics, Grades 6–12 combines four essential models for improving student understanding and growth in mathematics. The lessons provided in the textbook build on students′ abilities, so they can see all parts of a math problem and are able to tackle and understand it at various levels." —Elizabeth Alvarez, Assistant Principal John C. Dore Elementary, Chicago, IL Maximize your mathematics curriculum to challenge all students This collection of lessons, building on material presented in the best-selling The Parallel Curriculum, is written by experienced teachers who provide innovative and challenging learning opportunities for students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units focus on fractions, linear programming, geometry, and quadratic relationships. The authors provide user-friendly methods for creating high-quality lessons and demonstrate how to differentiate these lessons for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through: Understanding secondary-level mathematics concepts Discovering connections between mathematics and other subjects Developing critical thinking skills Connecting mathematics learning to society through the study of real-world data, proportional reasoning, and problem solving Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Learn from the experts and enhance your mathematics curriculum with these proven strategies.




Parallel Curriculum Units for Social Studies, Grades 6-12


Book Description

Covering history, geography, and sociology, these sample lessons and units show how to use the Parallel Curriculum Model to provide rigorous learning opportunities for students in social studies.




Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12


Book Description

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills." —Mary L. Slade, Professor James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through: Exploring the nature of knowledge Discovering connections between science and other subjects Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!




The Parallel Curriculum


Book Description

"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.




The Cluster Grouping Handbook: A Schoolwide Model


Book Description

In today’s standards-driven era, how can teachers motivate and challenge gifted learners and ensure that all students reach their potential—without major budget implications? This book provides a compelling answer: the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model (SCGM). The authors explain how the model differs from grouping practices of the past, and they present a roadmap for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping. Practitioners will find a wealth of teacher-tested classroom strategies along with detailed information on identifying students for clusters, gaining support from parents, and providing ongoing professional development. Digital content features customizable reproducible forms and a PowerPoint presentation designed for in-service training.




Fundamentals of Gifted Education


Book Description

The field of gifted education is characterized by a perplexing array of perspectives concerning such fundamental issues as definition, identification, curriculum, social and emotional development, and underserved populations. Fundamentals of Gifted Education provides a coherent framework for planning effective programs, providing appropriate educational services, and evaluating programs for the gifted. Parts are organized around fundamental issues confronting the field and follow a common structure: an introductory chapter that provides an overview of the theme of that part as well as guiding points and questions for the reader followed by representative point-of-view chapters written by leading experts that provide varied perspectives on the topic at hand.




The Parallel Curriculum in the Classroom, Book 2


Book Description

"The Parallel Curriculum Model in the Classroom, Book 2" contains a series of essays designed to further develop key ideas from the original book, including model guidelines, applications, and experiences from high quality educators that have utilized the Parallel Curriculum Model.




Teach Smarter


Book Description

Discover new, practical methods for teaching literacy skills in your early childhood classroom. Has teaching early literacy skills become a stumbling block to getting your preschool students kindergarten ready? Break out of the tired “letter of the week” routine and learn how to transform your lessons with fun and effective techniques. Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers will equip teachers to infuse every aspect of their teaching with exciting hands-on literacy teaching methods that engage students and help them build authentic connections with books, so that 100% of their students will have a strong literacy foundation and will be fully prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond. Respected author Vanessa Levin, veteran early childhood educator and author of the “Pre-K Pages” blog, breaks down the research and translates it into realistic, actionable steps you can take to improve your teaching. Features specific examples of teaching techniques and activities that engage students in hands-on, experiential learning during circle time, centers, and small groups. Offers a simple, four-step system for teaching literacy skills, based on the foundational principles of early literacy teaching Demonstrates how to build your confidence in your ability to get 100% of your students ready for kindergarten, long before the end of the school year Understand the problems with traditional literacy teaching and identify gaps in your current teaching practice with this valuable resource.