Against Race- and Class-Based Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education is a case study of two Chicago early childhood programs, both serving high-need populations. One program is Reggio Emilia-inspired, using a fully emergent curriculum, natural environmental elements, and investigative learning. It is a program philosophy much more common in affluent private preschools in the United States than in programs serving poor children. The comparison school uses a more traditional didactic pedagogy typical of schools serving high-need populations. Smith's study draws from several months of classroom observation, teacher and parent interviews, and child assessments. Smith uses Basil Bernstein's theories of pedagogy and social control, particularly with regard to visible and invisible pedagogies, to understand the differing classroom practices in the two schools and to consider the effectiveness for their vulnerable populations.
