NCJ Number
181725
Date Published
October 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the early childhood education program established in 1962 and titled the High/Scope Perry Preschool Project; reviews the results of an ongoing study of the program; explains how and why the project was successful on several outcome measures; and examines the implications for future policy decisions.
Abstract
The ongoing longitudinal study focuses on 123 black children who were of low socioeconomic status, had IQ scores of 70-85, had no biological deficiencies, and were at high risk of failing school. The study assigned 58 of these children ages 3 and 4 to the program group and 65 children to the control group. Researchers collected follow-up data annually from ages 4 to 11 and also collected data at ages 14, 15, 19, and 27. Results revealed that the project was effective as an educational intervention and also demonstrated other positive outcomes. These outcomes included a significantly lower rate of crime and delinquency and a lower incidence of adolescent pregnancy and welfare dependency. Program participants were nearly three times as likely to own their own homes by age 27 than were the control group members. They were also less than half as likely as the others to be receiving public assistance. These findings and the results of cost-benefit analyses indicated that an effective prevention strategy requires both quality programming and an adequate commitment of resources. Figures, photography, address from which to obtain further information, and 31 references