Northville early childhood team shares HighScope COR results, program updates and GSRP application

Northville Public Schools early childhood staff presented a program update that included results from the HighScope Child Observation Record (COR) assessment, next steps for literacy-focused professional development, and administrative updates including a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) grant application and playground improvements.

Brandy Jendal, early childhood specialist, described COR as HighScope’s assessment tool that the district has phased in over several years. She said COR covers 8 content areas and 34 assessment items; teachers collect objective anecdotal notes, score items on a 0–7 scale, and use program-level reports to shape lesson planning, parent conferences and coaching. Program-level strengths identified were creative arts, fine-motor physical development and social studies/history; opportunities included science and technology and reading (language, literacy and communication under reading).

Half-day preschool teacher Beth Brown used a single-child example to show how COR data informs classroom practice. Brown described a student, Olivia, who advanced in phonological awareness from a level 3 at the start of the year to level 5 after targeted materials and activities (rhyming books, rhyming puzzles, small-group rhyming activities) and growth in alphabetic knowledge through letter-making activities and name-work.

Brandy described program supports the team launched after the data review: a November professional-development focus on language and literacy, site-level data digs with teachers, a family “March Reading Madness” event that engaged preschool classes in a bracket-style book vote, and plans for a literacy committee and further professional development tied to HighScope resources. The team noted they will leverage district coaches and upcoming HighScope conference attendance to continue teacher development.

Administratively, presenters said Ridgewood achieved NEC accreditation renewal (a five‑year cycle), playground upgrades are complete and well used, and the program applied for GSRP funding; the district expects a funding decision in June. Staff invited the board and community to the children’s art exhibit on April 24 (Old Village, 5:30–7:30 p.m.).

Superintendent Dr. R.J. Weber and several board members praised the program’s level of intentionality and parental communication. Board members said COR reports are a useful, granular way to share progress with families and to identify early interventions.

No formal board action was taken; the segment was an informational presentation and Q&A.