I had the opportunity to visit High Scope in Ypsilanti Michigan today!!  What an experience!  It is one classroom with a huge observation area. There are two teachers with 13 students currently.  All their equipment was donated by Constructive Playthings, so it's high quality.   I was a little uncertain about the plan-do-review aspects of the curriculum, but after seeing it in action today it all made sense to me.  It helps children focus on their decisions and allows them to control their learning.   It is also very personalized as the teachers evaluate each of the students at the end of the day and plan for the following day.  The conflict resolution techniques are wonderful too.  There was little conflict since at this point in the year, children have learned how to work things out.  It was a calm, very relaxed classroom.  Parents were welcomed in the morning and many sat on the rug reading books to the children or talked with the teachers.  The parents also picked the children up from the playground and talked with each other.  I noticed that the families were still there and the teachers had returned to the classroom.  Very relaxed and very welcoming for a parent!  They have trainings or field trips every month for parents.  They ASK the parents what times will work for parent meetings and also provide child care!  They work with the parents to make these events happen. 

I will be posting pictures when I return to Illinois, but am super charged about this curriculum.  Very stimulating environment for children who are empowered in their own learning experiences.  I'm returning for one more day tomorrow!  I can't wait to share my pictures with my students next semester!