Local superintendent and visionary educator tapped to focus on child outcomes
YPSILANTI, MI, November 1, 2018 — HighScope Educational Research Foundation welcomes Dr. Benjamin Edmondson as Executive Vice President. In this role, Dr. Edmondson will lead the organization’s work to improve student outcomes through early education for children both locally and globally.
“Benjamin’s tremendous leadership capacity and visionary approach to education have impacted positive change in the Ypsilanti community,” said Cheryl Polk, PhD, HighScope President. “We’re confident in his ability to achieve greatness on behalf of HighScope and the field of early education.”
Dr. Edmondson joins HighScope with 26 years devoted to public education as a former teacher, principal, and superintendent. Most recently he served as Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS), where he was known for his abilities to empower students, mobilize community members, and impact the culture and climate of the Ypsilanti school district and the surrounding community. Prior to his role as superintendent, Edmondson was a principal in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a teacher in New Jersey.
“Adult outcomes can often be predicted in early childhood experiences, which underscores the necessity of investments and interventions there,” said Dr. Edmondson. “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to contribute to the long-lasting impact on positive, early childhood outcomes that may stabilize the future generation of our young people.”
Edmondson earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. He holds a master’s degree in educational theory and practice from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from The University of Virginia.
About HighScope (highscope.org)
HighScope Educational Research Foundation is an early childhood leader in pursuit of a world where all children have the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively so they have satisfying, productive lives. HighScope supports the development of young children from birth through age eight by developing and providing research-based, high-quality curricula, assessments, professional learning, and other supports in the context of families and their communities.
HighScope’s roots extend back to the Perry Preschool Project (1962–1967). Launched in Ypsilanti, Michigan and led by Ypsilanti Schools psychologist David Weikart and Perry Elementary School principal Charles Eugene Beatty, the Perry Preschool Project was one of the first early childhood programs in the United States intentionally designed to increase school success for preschool children living in poverty. Today, HighScope’s work can be found in classrooms throughout the United States and in educational settings around the globe.
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