Social Pedagogy and Liberal Egalitarian Compensatory Programs: The Case of Head Start

Abstract

Using Head Start as an example of a compensatory social program based on a liberal egalitarian view of justice, this paper shows how all such programs are fundamentally flawed. In spite of any good intentions, by creating a discourse of deficiency and attempting amelioration through segregation this approach contains the seeds of its own failure. And, indeed, Head Start has floundered since its inception. That there is real need is clear; however, a new way forward is essential. We propose a model, based on social pedagogy, that takes seriously and respectfully the lifeworld of the children and families involved, and works cooperatively to find a way forward for everyone instead of imposing an externally-driven system response to an inadequately understood lifeworld. In addition, this reconceptualization must move beyond the exclusiveness of compensatory programs to inclusiveness of all children and families. This approach offers hope both for a more just social world in general based on deliberative justice as well as attaining goals of student achievement and development. Education Policy Analysis Archives Vol. 21 No. 39 SPECIAL ISSUE 2Keywords: compensatory programs; social pedagogy; Head Start. Pedagogía Social y programas compensatorios liberales igualitarios: el caso de Head StartResumen: Usando Head Start como un ejemplo de un programa de compensación social basado en una visión de justicia liberal igualitaria, este trabajo muestra cómo todos estos programas son fundamentalmente erróneos. A pesar de las buenas intenciones, mediante la creación de un discurso de la deficiencia y tratar de mejorar a través de practicas de segregación este enfoque contiene las semillas de su propio fracaso. Y, de hecho, Head Start ha fracasado desde sus inicios. Es claro, que hay necesidad real, sin embargo, es preciso buscar un nuevo modelo. Se propone un modelo, basado en la pedagogía social, que tome en serio y con respeto la visión de mundo de los niños y las familias involucradas, y trabajar colaborativamente para encontrar un camino a seguir en lugar de imponer una respuesta desde un sistema externo que no comprende la visión de mundo de las familias involucradas. Además, esta re conceptualización debe ir más allá de la exclusividad de los programas compensatorios para la inclusión de todos los niños y las familias. Este enfoque ofrece esperanza, tanto para un mundo más justo, en general, basada en la justicia deliberativa, así como al objetivo de obtener logros educativos y de desarrollo. Palabras clave: programas compensatorios; pedagogía social, Head Start. Pedagogia Social e programas liberais igualitários compensatórios: o caso da Head StartResumo: Usando o Head Start como um exemplo de um programa de compensação social com base em uma visão de justiça igualitária liberal, este artigo mostra como esses programas são fundamentalmente errados. Apesar das boas intenções, através da criação de um discurso da deficiência e tentar melhorar através de práticas de segregação esta abordagem contém as sementes de ...

In search of a social pedagogical profession in schools. Missions and roles under reconsideration

“…Schools can take greater responsibility for a socially sustainable society in which people trust each other and participate in social development on equal terms. They should then embrace all types of pupils, regardless of their social backgrounds, ethnic origins or current academic difficulties (Counsell and Boody, 2013;Giesecke, 1998). The knowledge of individuals and social development are interdependent, and well-educated, critical and involved citizens are therefore essential (Schugurensky, 2014):…”