This is a competitive grant awarded by the State Board of Education to the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation for planning in 1994-95; continuation for implementation of the plan in 1995-96 and 1996-97; competed successfully again for five years beginning in FY98.
Children who attended MSRP scored significantly higher in all areas in kindergarten than those who did not attend an early childhood education program. Kindergarten teachers rated MSRP children higher in overall school performance than similarly at-risk children who did not attend an early childhood program.
Comparison group of at-risk children who did not attend preschool programs was more than twice as likely as MSRP participants to have been retained by third grade. Significant differences have been found on fourth grade MEAP scores in both reading and mathematics.
Children who attended MSRP sites which were rated highest on teacher qualifications and curriculum achieved at the highest levels. MSRP sites supervised by administrators with early childhood education specialization were rated most highly.
To view the latest evaluation report check the High/Scope website at http://www.highscope.org/Research/MsrpEvaluation/msrpmain.htm .