ED410019 PS025657

 

Title: Lasting Differences: The High/Scope Preschool Curriculum Comparison Study through Age 23. Monographs of the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, Number Twelve.
Author(s): Schweinhart, Lawrence J.; Weikart, David P.
Author Affiliation: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, Ypsilanti, MI.(BBB04423)
Pages: 120
Publication Date: 1997
ISBN: 1-57379-017-6
Available from: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS.
Availability: Monograph Series, High/Scope Foundation, 600 North River Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198-2898; phone: 800-40-PRESS; fax: 800-442-4FAX.
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Research (143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Michigan
Journal Announcement: RIEDEC1997

This monograph presents the methods and results of the High/Scope Preschool Curriculum Comparison Study through Age 23, which compares the relative effectiveness of three preschool curriculum models: (1) direct instruction; (2) traditional nursery school; and (3) High/Scope. Part 1 of the monograph provides an overview of the study and surveys other curriculum comparison studies, especially those addressing antisocial behavior. Part 2 describes the study's methodology, including sample selection, assignment to and comparability of curriculum groups, common program characteristics, the curriculum models, documentation, instrumentation and data collection, data analysis techniques, and methodological criticisms and responses. Part 3 presents findings related to schooling, family, economic status, personal and community activities, and misconduct and crime. Findings indicate that the nursery school and High/Scope groups had significant advantages over the direct instruction group at age 23, with significantly fewer felony arrests, fewer years of special education for emotional impairment, and more members doing volunteer work. In comparison to the direct instruction group, the High/Scope group aspired to higher levels of education, and had more members living with their spouse, while the nursery school group ranked lower in number of suspensions from work. In comparison with each other, neither the High/Scope group nor the nursery school group showed a clear pattern of advantages at age 23. Part 4 addresses implications of the study findings, including direct instruction's teacher-dominated instructional practices and its failure to prevent crime. Commentaries by Rolf Loeber, George Morrison, Kathy Sylva, and Valora Washington are appended. Contains approximately 85 references. (KDFB)

Descriptors: Classroom Techniques; Comparative Analysis; Followup Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Models; Nursery Schools; *Outcomes of Education; *Preschool Curriculum; Preschool Education; Program Evaluation; *Young Adults
Identifiers: Direct Instruction; *High Scope Model; High Scope Preschool Curriculum Study