The Discovery Program was written in 1990 by Eric Larsen, an alternative high school teacher in Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado. The program was designed to teach social-emotional skills to students struggling with academic, attendance, and attitude problems. The curriculum includes sophisticated social skills, behavior management strategies, culture development, and experiential activities.

The objectives of the program are threefold:

1 To develop a strong sense of community and a support system for all students

2 To teach, practice, and give feedback on specific positive social skills

3 To reinforce the culture of the classroom/school and ensure that all students realize what is expected of them and what they can expect from the staff

The Discovery Program is a concrete, skill-based curriculum that has the power to create positive change in students. Through Discovery, students learn and master the positive social-emotional skills necessary to be successful in school and in life. It is designed to improve student achievement.  The Discovery Program works especially well for students considered at risk. The program enhances the academic and personal accomplishments of those currently in traditional classes.

Discovery helps school districts solve problems with apathy, violence, academic achievement, and attendance.