deficit vs. transformational approaches

Overview

A deficit perspective attributes many children’s so-called failures to perceived deficits within the children, their families, and their cultures. Alternatively, a transformational perspective identifies and values the cultural practices embedded in diverse communities. Teachers can create an environment that identifies positive characteristics or contributions the individual makes, thus focusing on the individual’s strengths, setting the stage for a transformational perspective.

Instructions

Imagine you are in the staff lounge of a preschool or childcare center. A colleague makes a statement (select one of the statements below). Share how their statement represents a deficit perspective. What would you say to them to represent a transformational perspective?

1. “If that family would speak English at home, their child would learn quicker.”
2. “That family needs to discipline their child.”
3. “Neither of those parents is college-educated, so their child doesn’t have a chance.”
4. “Being a single mom is so hard, I feel sorry for her.”
5. “The food he brings for lunch is so different and weird.”
6. “It must be hard to be the only African American kid at school.”

What is your greatest fear when thinking about deficit vs. transformational approaches? How migcixht you overcome this fear?

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