Saturday, May 25, 2013

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

HighScope Perry Preschool Study: One of the most well known research projects. Looks at the lives of children living in poverty and at risk for failing in school. They began with 123 children, at ages 3 and 4, the children (subjects) term from our class readings this week, received a high quality preschool program (High Scope, 2013). "The preschool was provided each weekday morning in 2.5-hour sessions taught by certified public school teachers with at least a bachelor’s degree. The average child-teacher ratio was 6:1. The curriculum emphasized active learning, in which the children engaged in activities that (i) involved decision making and problem solving, and (ii) were planned, carried out, and reviewed by the children themselves, with support from adults" (Coalition for Evidence Based Policy, 2012). In interviewing the preschoolers as adults  They had higher earnings and were more likely to hold a job. They committed fewer crimes and had a higher rate of high school graduation.


 




 References:
http://evidencebasedprograms.org/1366-2/65-2

http://www.highscope.org

Saturday, May 18, 2013

My Personal Research Journey

I want to find out if Early Head Start prepares children for preschool and if children that attend EHS and do not go on to Head Start. Did they receive a similar foundation for school readiness skills?
I have found this first two weeks of class to be very helpful in learning about research, especially in searching the web.
I have seen the benefits of children in Head Start both personally and professionally. I am hoping to learn more about both programs and the benefits for children and families.
The newest addition to my family!
Tito