Definition Rationale How it Works

Identification Assessment Samples References


Definition

Curriculum Compacting is a procedure used by classroom teachers to adapt the regular curriculum to meet the needs of the above-average students. Work that students have already mastered is eliminated and work they can master at a faster pace than their classmates is streamlined or "compacted".


Rationale

Before initiating the compacting process, it is important to be able to explain and provide a rationale for the use of this instructional practice. The following reasons demonstrate why this procedure should be implemented in the classroom.

  • Students already know most of their text's content
  • Textbooks have been "dumbed down"
  • The quality of textbooks has failed to improve
  • The needs of high-ability students are not often met in the classroom
  • Compacting frees time for more challenging learning experiences
  • The pace of instruction and practice time can be modified
  • Compacting guarantees educational accountability

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    How It Works

    Pre-assessment of the student is completed to gain information about their level of knowledge related to the subject area. The following steps are involved:

  • Identification of the relevant learning objectives
  • Find appropriate pretest
  • Identify students who should be pretested
  • Pretest students
  • Streamline instruction
  • Offer challenging options for compacting
  • Maintain close communications with parents

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    Identification

    The first step is to identify the subject areas in which students display above-average ability or mastery of the contents. This involves careful diagnosis of the students and thorough knowledge of the content and objectives of a unit of instruction. Indications of ability are found in students' records, standardized tests and classwork. Teacher observations can spot students who finish tasks quickly and well, those who finish assignments first or who appeared bored during instruction time and consistently daydream in class. These observations are all good indicators of students who should be considered for compacting.

    Assessment

    Dependent upon the project(s) that a student chooses to complete during the compacting process, a rubric specifically designed to assess the components of each project is developed.

    Samples

  • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
  • Indian in the Cupboard
  • Incident at Hawk's Hill
  • Spelling
  • Revolutionary War

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    References

    Reis, Sally M., Burns, Deborah E., Renzulli, Joseph S. Curriculum Compacting, Creative Learning Press, Inc. 1992.

    Renzulli, Joseph S. Enriching Curriculum for All Students, Skylight Professional Development. 2001