Using the Parallel Curriculum Model in Urban Settings, Grades K-8

When students in urban settings confront curriculum or pedagogy that is not responsive to their diverse learning experiences, the result is underachievement. Educators, parents, and teachers recognize that meeting the needs of academic, cultural, economic and linguistic diversity among learners occurs when their individual diversity is met with a diverse curriculum.The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) is designed to be responsive to different populations in different contexts. PCM implementation in heterogeneous classrooms assists students in demonstrating abilities that are not visible when the traditional, or regular rubric, is used. The authors provide lessons that show educators how to reinforce basic content, connect previously and newly acquired content to form new understandings, and affirm a student's identity as a scholar. Using the Parallel Curriculum Model in Urban Settings, Grades K-8 provides educators in urban settings with detailed parallel curriculum lessons and strategies to enhance the learning experience of diverse students.