High/Scope
 (short blurb) The High/Scope approach to preschool education is primarily a curriculum
model that’s main goal is to prepare young children for future success in school.
High/Scope is research based and takes an active learning approach to cognitive and
social development.
 (In-depth description) The High/Scope approach focuses on cognitive development in a
specific but not rigid learning environment. It is built on the idea that children need to
participate in direct hands-on experiences with objects ideas and events. With active
learning at the core of the curriculum each High/Scope program has each of the following
elements:
o Key experiences: High/Scope defines a set of 58 key developmental experiences
that form the goals for teacher planning
o Adult-child interaction: Teachers in this approach observe and interact with
children at their level, they work to understand how each child thinks and reasons
then collaborate with them to further understanding. Children are encouraged by
teachers to solve cognitive problems and to peaceably resolve conflicts with
peers.
o Learning environment: The classroom environment in each High/Scope
classroom is arranged into a specific set of learning centers. Each center has
clearly labeled equipment and materials.
o Daily routine: Each day follows a similar schedule of events, providing
consistency for both children and adults.
o Plan-do-review: This process gives children the opportunity to make plans based
on their own interests, then to follow through on those plans and tell adults about
what they have accomplished. This process is critical to the High/Scope model.
o Assessment: The High/Scope approach uses formal and informal assessment to
inform classroom practice with children. Continuous observation, recording and
documentation helps High/Scope to stay connected to its research based roots.
 History and Major Theorists
o The High/Scope approach was originally developed to serve at-risk children from
economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The director
for special services for the Ypsilanti public school system, David P. Weikart,
began work on the curriculum model now known as High/Scope in 1962.
Weikart and his colleagues wanted to set up a preschool program that would focus
on cognitive achievement but found that their was no curriculum model in
existence, so they decided to create their own. High/Scope curriculum is based on
the work of Jean Piaget but also borrows some elements from Maria Montessori
and others. What was to become the High/Scope approach was famously used in
the Perry Preschool Project, a research study used to measure the long-term
effects of preschool on children in poverty. This study followed children from
their preschool entrance through age 27.
 Considerations for teachers
o Would I need any special training or experience beyond my child development
units to work in a school with this philosophy?
 Although the High/Scope approach shares much of it’s basic philosophy
and goals with all programs that are developmentally appropriate in
nature, it is a specific curriculum that is followed in the classroom in a
specific manner. The High/Scope Educational Research Foundation does
offer classes and certification in the High/Scope approach, but schools
using High/Scope curriculum do not necessarily require this certification.
Many schools that use High/Scope curriculum also offer training and
support to their teachers.
o If I visited a school with this philosophy, what would I see?
 You would see children and teachers actively engaged in activities, both in
small and large groups, if you watched for several days you would see that
each day at the same time children would be participating in the same
types of activities. The physical environment would be arranged into
clearly defined interest areas and the toys and equipment would be
labeled.
 Resources
o Books
 Holt, Nicky. Bringing the High/Scope Approach to your Early Years
Practice
 Hoffman, M and Weikart, D. Educating Young Children
 Rush, K. Head Start Preschool Programs (Building a High/Scope
Programs Series)
 Weikart, D. Cognitively Oriented Curriculum
 Weikart, D. Young Children Grow Up: The Effects of the Perry Preschool
Program on Youths through Age 15.
o Articles
 Go to the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation for
comprehensive access to articles. www.highscope.org
o Web links
 Associations
 High/Scope Educational Research Foundation www.highscope.org
 National Head Start Association www.nhsa.org

Schools
 Lawndale, CA. Lawndale Elementary School District Preschool
Program www.lawndale.k12.ca.us
 Irvine, CA. Saint Andrew’s Children’s Center www.standrewschildrens-center.org
 (Various locations) Child Development Centers, Continuing
Development Inc. www.cdicdc.org
 Ypsilanti, MI. High/Scope Demonstration Preschool
www.highscope.org