Early Years at AIAN utilizes the nationally recognized curriculum in the U.S. and around the world called High/Scope. This comprehensive curriculum teaches academic and social development. The program is based on the idea that children study best through active learning.

The High/Scope educational approach has unique features that distinguish it from other programs:
1) Plan-Do-Review sequence - Research shows that planning and reviewing are the two significant components associated with children's scores in developmental progress.
2) High/Scope key experiences  - There are 58 key learning experiences divided into 10 categories including creative representation, music, language and literacy, movement, initiative and social relations, classification, number, space and time. These words are used as the teachers set up the classroom and plan activities.

The High/Scope program has forty years of research, and children who have been through the High/Scope program are tracked.  The evidence indicates that High/Scope students demonstrated significant improvements in language and cognitive performance as well as behavioral and social development achievements.

AIAN parents are invited to explore the High/Scope Website for additional information.  The address is https://secure.highscope.org/index.asp  Parents are welcome to contact Wendi Allen, AIAN teacher, who has been trained in High/Scope, at wendia@aian.org.cn

FAQs - High/Scope

How do children learn in a High/Scope "active learning" setting?
Children learn best by pursuing their personal interests and goals, thus children in High/Scope settings are encouraged to make choices about materials and activities throughout the day. Children explore, ask and answer questions, solve problems, and interact with classmates and adults. In this kind of environment, children naturally engage in "key experiences"---activities that foster developmentally important skills and abilities.

What does a High/Scope preschool setting look like?
The space and materials in a High/Scope setting are carefully selected and arranged to promote active learning. The center is divided into interest areas organized around specific kinds of play. A center includes areas for block play, art activities, house play, small toys, computers, books and writing materials, and sand and water play.

How is the day organized in a High/Scope preschool?
High/Scope adults give children a sense of control over the events of the day by planning a consistent routine that enables children to anticipate what happens next. A central element of the day is the "plan-do-review sequence," in which children make a plan, carry it out, and then reflect on the results.

How is assessment handled?
Teachers are trained to use the High/Scope Child Observation Record (COR) to evaluate children's developmental progress. As the basis for COR assessment, teachers take daily notes on student's developmental behaviors during activities. Teachers use their notes as the basis for completing the COR assessment instrument four times per school year.

How do High/Scope teachers handle discipline?
High/Scope teachers avoid using punishment and reward as tools for managing children's behavior. When behavior problems arise, they encourage the child to discuss the problem with the adult or with others involved. This problem-solving approach helps children develop social skills and become more aware of the impact of their actions on others.

Are art and music important parts of High/Scope programs?
Art and music are part of every day's activities in High/Scope. Art and music materials are available for children to use freely at work time. Many of the small-group experiences planned involve art materials; large-group experiences usually involve music. Teachers use High/Scope's key experiences in creative representation and music to highlight ways they can support the important abilities children are developing.