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| High/Scope Educational Research Foundation | Temple University |
|---|---|
| Achieving Head Start Effectiveness through Intensive Curriculum Training | The Companion Curriculum: Connecting Parents and Teachers to Promote School Readiness |
| Target Area: Professional Development/Curriculum Implementation | Target Area: Parent Involvement/Home-School Partnerships |
| The premise of this work is that teachers contribute significantly to children's development when they are trained in, and consistently use, a scientifically-based curriculum of proven effectiveness. Lead and assistant teachers from 67 classrooms received the standard 20-day High/Scope Preschool Curriculum Course and up to 5 days of follow-up training. The course included all components of the High/Scope curriculum (content areas, active learning, learning environment, daily routine, adult-child interaction, assessment) and an additional focus on a problem-solving approach to conflict and literacy. | The Companion Curriculum (TCC) promotes home-school connection in order to increase parent efficacy and involvement in education. TCC themes were developed using national standards and best practices for teaching young children. Parent Excellence workshops demonstrate home-based educational activities for parents and children that complement instruction occurring at school. Parents and classroom teachers receive materials including books, puppets, number cards, magnetic letters, family albums and personal gardens. Teachers model developmentally appropriate interactions that facilitate school readiness. TCC creates a supportive learning community among families and the school. |
| Initial Results: Compared to control group children, children in classrooms with trained teachers showed larger gains in book knowledge, copying shapes and letters, and math skills | Initial Results: Parent involvement increased at home and school, particularly when parents attended at least three workshops. TCC participation and home-school connection related to children's school readiness. |
For more information contact: Marijata Daniel-Echols |
For more information contact: Julia L. Mendez |
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