Lawrence J. Schweinhart
Long-term follow-up of a preschool experiment
HighScope
study designed provide experimental evidence effects preschool program young children living poverty began program evaluation half century later serves test longterm effects return investment highquality preschool education young children living poverty study conducted us beginning 1960s generated data study participants birth 40 new data collected age 50 study used random assignment procedures assign 123 children preschool program control group receive preschool program program participants surpassed nonparticipants intellectual performance school entry school achievement throughout schooling commitment schooling high school graduation rate adult employment rate earnings reduced childhood antisocial behavior reduced adult crime incarceration programs return investment least seven times great operating cost powerful results found study several similar studies found studies larger preschool programs head start impact study discrepancy suggests differences two types programs account better results found studies one among differences highly qualified teachers valid child development curriculum extensive engagement parents regular assessment program implementation childrens development