Session Descriptions

The Thinking Curriculum: Creating the Depth and Complexity Differentiation Paradigm Shift
Once seen as solely gifted program pedagogy, the Depth and Complexity Framework has permeated into instructional practices that maximize challenge and prompt high-level thinking for all students. Participants in this session will join the Depth and Complexity construction team, building the foundation for a paradigm shift in how the Framework should and can be used. Imagine an education world where Depth and Complexity is the pedagogical centerpiece and other programs and initiatives support differentiated learning environments. Imagine no longer! Meet the brand new Texas Depth and Complexity Thinking Curriculum, and say goodbye to scriptedness, pacing and the one-size-fits-all approach. The era of differentiation, critical thinking and exciting student-created learning pathways has officially arrived.

Deep and Complex Scenes from an Elementary Classroom
With so many demands educators face in the current education climate, finding the time to offer authentic differentiated learning experiences can prove challenging. Educators often cite a general lack of time and insufficient instructional autonomy as roadblocks to using the Depth and Complexity Framework on a regular basis. Join an Elementary practitioner and Depth and Complexity trainer on a journey into the nuts and bolts of creating practical, realistic learning opportunities while taking into account various implementation difficulties. Examples of classroom-tested ways to use Depth and Complexity will be provided for all core content areas and attendees will have time to create ready-to-use, differentiated lessons and activities that align with their own content.

Deep and Complex Scenes from a Secondary Classroom
With so many demands educators face in the current education climate, finding the time to offer authentic differentiated learning experiences can prove challenging. Educators often cite a general lack of time and insufficient instructional autonomy as roadblocks to using the Depth and Complexity Framework on a regular basis. Join a Secondary practitioner (yes, he’s taught almost every subject at the secondary level) and Depth and Complexity trainer on a journey into the nuts and bolts of creating practical, realistic learning opportunities while taking into account various implementation difficulties. Examples of classroom-tested ways to use Depth and Complexity will be provided for core content areas, and will include strategies for incorporating the Framework with Honors, Pre-AP, AP and AVID. Attendees will have time to create ready-to-use, differentiated lessons and activities that align with their own content.