HighScope

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
  • 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

  • Play-based, child-centered early education curriculum
  • Instruction emphasizes active learning and focuses on a range of school readiness skills
  • Half-day program includes a weekly home visiting component
  • Average child-teacher ratio of 6:1
  • Includes monthly small-group meetings of parents
Issue Areas
Early childhood
Outcomes
Kindergarten readiness
Strategies
Early childhood curricula and interventions
Target Population
Children under 5
Cost per Participant
Not available

Evidence and impacts

Strong

Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Justice; the second-highest level of evidence by Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, Social Programs That Work

  • Increased long-term academic achievement
  • Reduced long-term engagement in risky behavior
  • Increased long-term employment and earnings
  • Yielded $6.60 in social benefit for every dollar invested

Best practices in implementation

  • Note: This content is under review
  • Implementation and learning practices are based on cognitive-development theories, which inform active participatory learning techniques.
  • HighScope can be adapted to work in congruence with a state’s educational curriculum requirements, allowing for better educational quality and compliance.
  • Partnerships with schools and buy-in from teachers are essential for curriculum success. Staff and teacher training is essential in ensuring that curriculum is delivered with fidelity.
  • Parent participation (through in-class interactions and workshops) is essential to extend the learning environment to the home.
  • Frequent program assessments ensure that curriculum is delivered as intended and achieving best possible results.

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