The Tragic Flaw of Liberal Egalitarian Compensatory Programs: The Case of Head Start

• In Event: Roundtable Session 110
  In Roundtable Session: Reconceptualizing Quality and Fairness in Early Childhood Classrooms, Programs, and Systems

Abstract

As a Liberal Egalitarian compensatory program, Head Start’s goal has been to improve educational and developmental outcomes for economically disadvantaged children. Liberal Egalitarians in the 1960s Great Society believed the eradication of poverty depends on young children’s increased school readiness that leads to improved educational outcomes, economic opportunity and prosperity. Arguments in favor of devolving Head Start have been based largely on issues concerning program efficacy and cost-effectiveness. This policy study will examine Head Start using Habermas’ theory of communicative action from lifeworld and system perspectives as a conceptual framework to reveal: (a) the flawed assumptions of compensatory programs; (b) the outcome limitations that invariably result; and (c) what this means for future considerations in early childhood education.

Authors

• Shelly L. Counsell, University of Northern Iowa

• Robert M. Boody, University of Northern Iowa