This guide, based on the Texas Education Agency's "essential elements," presents a model for providing differentiated instruction for gifted high school students in any area of content and within any educational setting. The guide provides strategies for changing the following dimensions of the curriculum: (1) content or subject matter, (2) processes or thinking skills, (3) products or outcomes of learning, and (4) independent study skills. Emphasis is on using the "essential elements" as the foundation of learning while differentiating to meet the academic needs of gifted students. The curriculum development model used is illustrated. After an introductory section, Section 1 focuses on content differentiation with practice templates for developing instructional objectives and a variety of worksheets to help teachers plan for content differentiation. Section 2 provides similar templates and worksheets for the area of process differentiation, including strategies for development of creative thinking, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. Product differentiation is the subject of Section 3, with suggested strategies for such goals as encouraging multiple modes of expression, guiding self-selection, and supporting continuous progress. Section 4 is on developing independent study skills and is organized around seven suggested stages of independent study. The final section provides sample units of study and lesson plans. Contains 58 references. (DB)