HighScope
- This strategy can help address educational disparities. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
Preschool model centered on active learning: The HighScope preschool curriculum provides a framework for structuring preschool instruction and activities for children ages 3 and 4. HighScope emphasizes self-directed learning activities supported by a teacher. There is some evidence that this approach increases academic achievement.
Delivered by certified teachers: The HighScope curriculum is frequently used in Head Start programs, public school district Pre-K programs, and private preschools. It is implemented in classrooms by certified preschool teachers in classrooms with a child to teacher ratio of 6:1.
Children can self-direct their own activities: As part of the HighScope curriculum, children are given the opportunity to select, plan, and carry out learning activities. They are encouraged to follow their interests and initiate projects with support from teachers. In addition, they have regular opportunities for free play, which helps to cultivate social-emotional and interpersonal skills.
Teachers facilitate active learning: According to the HighScope curriculum, teachers establish a structured daily routine that allows and encourages flexible active learning. They arrange interest areas in the learning space and maintain a daily routine that helps children plan and carry out their self-selected activities. Teachers also join in on children’s activities and engage them in conversation to extend their plans and help them further develop their ideas. Teachers encourage children to independently make choices and solve problems.
Includes high levels of parent engagement: Teachers prioritize communication and collaboration with parents in the education process. This may include offering workshops focused on topics from class sessions, sending home newsletters, posting bulletin boards with content connected to children’s classroom experiences, building a resource-lending library for parents, or sending home “play backpacks” with toys or activities and tips to guide parents in play experiences at home.
- Strategies
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Early childhood curricula and interventions
- Cost per Participant
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Not available
Multiple studies with rigorous designs provide some evidence that the HighScope curriculum increases academic achievement.
- This assessment is based on evidence from a 2022 research synthesis.
Note: This content is under review.
Prepare classrooms for active learning: In addition to the resources included in the HighScope curriculum, teachers should fill their classroom with engaging materials to help facilitate deeper active learning. These materials (e.g., books, pictures, toys) should reflect children’s culture, language, and community. Materials should also include tools and other supplies (e.g., for art, building, or imaginative play) that can be used in an open-ended way to encourage children’s own interpretation and exploration.
Individualize based on children’s instructional needs: Educators should adapt the classroom environment and instructional methods based on each individual child's needs. The HighScope curriculum includes resources that teachers can use to individualize learning, such as suggestions for multiple activity types for given lessons and charts to guide instructional scaffolding across developmental ranges.
Use developmental indicators: The HighScope curriculum includes developmental indicators that should be used to systematically monitor children’s progress and support them in the classroom. These indicators come from different domains, including language, literacy, and communication; social and emotional development; physical development, health, and well-being; math; science and technology; social studies; and arts. For example, for the language, literacy, and communication domain, a key indicator might be the child’s ability and tendency to describe objects, events, and relations.
Participate in the HighScope Training of Trainers Project: The Training of Trainers Project is a valuable training opportunity for program leaders who are responsible for staff training and quality control. It is a 15-day experience over the course of two summers that helps leaders more effectively support and instruct new staff to implement the program model. Having certified trainers can help preschool programs better adhere to the HighScope model.