Board hears recommendation to adopt HighScope curriculum and AEPS assessment for early childhood

Laura Lee Hubert, the district’s Director of Early Childhood, recommended that the Auburn-Washburn USD 437 Board of Education adopt HighScope as the district early-childhood curriculum and AEPS (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System) as the assessment tool. The recommendation was presented on March 3 during the board’s discussion items.

Hubert said the recommendation followed a subcommittee process that reviewed about 20 early-childhood curricula and piloted four assessment tools. She said evaluators prioritized play-based, child-centered active learning, adult–child interactions, social-emotional development and alignment with the Kansas Early Learning Standards revised in 2024. The district piloted HighScope in at least one classroom this year; a teacher identified as Miss Lighty was noted for trialing the curriculum.

Hubert described HighScope’s plan–do–review approach and said AEPS meets the district’s multiple assessment requirements, including special education eligibility and grant reporting. She said the subcommittee and early-childhood staff favored the HighScope/AEPS combination because it matched classroom practice and state standards.

The board did not vote that night; Hubert said implementation planning would begin if the board approves the recommendation, with a target to start in the fall. Board members expressed support and several shared personal positive experiences with HighScope.

Ending: The item was presented for approval and will return to the board for a formal vote at a subsequent meeting.