Dr. Alejandra Barraza tapped to lead the future of the organization
YPSILANTI, MI, September 9, 2020 — HighScope Educational Research Foundation announces Alejandra Barraza, PhD, is set to take over leadership of the organization on September 15, 2020. HighScope, a leader in early childhood education, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation. Dr. Barraza is tapped to continue to drive HighScope’s growth and innovation, bringing together the value of research and high-quality early childhood education to enable extraordinary outcomes for young children and educators.
“The 50th anniversary is a pivotal moment for the HighScope organization and I’m confident that Dr. Barraza’s energetic and hands-on leadership is the best fit to lead the organization into the future,” said Jana Martella, Chairman of HighScope’s Board of Directors. “Dr. Barraza has a strong vision for HighScope and a deep understanding of the early childhood landscape that will drive the important work we’re tackling at HighScope.”
“I’m honored and eager to build on HighScope’s impressive legacy,” said Dr. Barraza. “The future of early childhood education calls for HighScope to focus on providing meaningful research, guidance, and resources that will shape public policy and create equitable, high-quality early childhood programs around the world.”
Dr. Barraza served the San Antonio Independent School District as a teacher for eight years before moving into leadership administration roles for 10 years. Among her many achievements is a partnership with the San Antonio Independent School District and Head Start to establish the San Antonio HighScope Network composed of the Carroll and Tynan early childhood centers. Under Dr. Barraza’s leadership, the San Antonio HighScope Network in Texas oversees the education of 750 students from Pre-K to 2nd grade and, with a team of over 150 members, the network is recognized as a hub of educational excellence.
“In my years as a teacher and administrator in early learning schools, I have witnessed the tremendous, lifelong impact that high-quality early learning experiences can provide people, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity,” said Dr. Barraza. “HighScope’s commitment to providing excellent and equitable early childhood education to all children is something in which I believe deeply, and I am dedicated to making learning culturally relevant, student-directed, engaging, fun, and meaningful.”
Dr. Barraza was born in Mexico and spent a significant time growing up both in Mexico and Washington, DC. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas-Austin. Dr. Barraza is the proud mother of three children Luz Andrea, Raul, and Isabela. She currently serves on the nominating committee for board members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
About HighScope (HighScope.org)
HighScope is an independent, non-profit organization working to close the opportunity gap through high-quality early education. For 50 years we have led the movement to ensure that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
HighScope’s research is instrumental in defining best practices in early education and from that knowledge we develop curricula, child and program assessment, and professional learning resources that empower early educators and prepare children from birth to kindergarten for school and for life. To join the movement, visit HighScope.org.
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Tara Baliat
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