The High Scope Approach to Early Learning

Introduction

• Developed as a model of education originating in the USA, aimed at improving life chances for children through high-quality educational programs.
• Designed by David Weikart in 1962, targeting educational failures in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
• Initial focus was on 3- to 4-year-old children in the Perry Elementary School.

Historical Context and Research

• HighScope Perry Preschool Project (1962-1968) compared children with preschool experience to those without.
• Longitudinal study: 123 children (58 in program group, 65 in control group) to assess impact on intellectual and social performance.
• Found lifetime effects on intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced crime.
• HighScope Educational Research Foundation established in 1970 to continue research and curriculum development.

Theoretical Foundations

• Influenced by Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Dewey’s philosophy of progressive education.
• Emphasis on active learning through real-life experiences and materials.
• Incorporates Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory in teaching practices.

Teaching Strategies

• Active participatory learning through play is central.
• Environments designed to promote enjoyment, control, and competence.
• Provides age-appropriate materials for exploration and creativity.
• Incorporates adult scaffolding to support reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Daily routines include plan-do-review process to support children’s initiatives and learning.
• Emphasizes collaboration with parents and families to enhance learning and development.

Curriculum Content

• Organized around Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• KDIs cover areas like language, literacy, social-emotional development, mathematics, and creative arts.
• Aligns with national education goals and frameworks like Aistear in Ireland.

Assessment

• Utilizes daily observations and anecdotal records of children’s activities.
• Child Observation Record (COR) used for systematic assessment of development.
• Observations guide future planning and teaching.

Criticisms

• Questions about validity, sample size, and generalizability of the Perry Preschool Study.
• Criticized for potentially being compensatory, rather than universal, in approach.

Key Learning Points

• HighScope is continuously updated to reflect new research and educational standards.
• Emphasizes active learning, flexible routines, and family collaboration.
• Ongoing observation and professional development are essential.

References

• Key texts by Epstein (2007), Hohmann & Weikart (1995), Schweinhart et al. (2005), and others.

Further Reading

• French & Murphy (2005) on early childhood education and care.
• HighScope website for more resources and information.