"Conducir la escuela secundaria bonaerense" | Clase 16: Pablo Urquiza

Understanding the Relationship Between School and Community

Perspectives on School and Territory

• Pablo Urquiza discusses the relationship between schools and their surrounding communities, emphasizing that rather than schools imposing themselves on territories, there should be a mutual dialogue where the territory influences the school.

• He highlights the complexity of Buenos Aires province, noting its diversity and how it impacts educational policies affecting over 1.7 million students across more than 4,500 schools.

Challenges in Educational Transformation

• Urquiza points out the need for institutions to recognize singularities within diverse contexts, addressing social fragmentation and increasing violence influenced by social media.

• He argues that education is not solely a school issue but requires a broader social perspective, advocating for schools to extend beyond their traditional boundaries.

The Role of Socioeducational Centers

• The concept of socioeducational community centers is introduced as an intervention strategy aimed at integrating educational efforts with community needs.

• Urquiza emphasizes that these interventions are crucial for modifying life trajectories and fostering connections between educational institutions and various social entities.

Importance of State Presence

• He discusses how strengthening state presence can enhance existing community initiatives, suggesting that effective governance can help organize fragmented societal elements.

• The idea is presented that schools should serve as communal spaces promoting collective well-being amidst rising individualism.

Engaging Youth through Educational Initiatives

• Urquiza mentions that there are currently 200 socioeducational centers serving around 20,000 adolescents who are either enrolled or re-engaging with secondary education.

Educational Integration and Community Reconstruction

Individual Educational Trajectories

• Each student, referred to as "pibe," has a personalized educational connection plan that outlines their individual trajectory within the socio-educational center.

• The focus is on integrating students into the educational framework rather than viewing the socio-educational center as a marginal space; it serves as an extension of traditional schooling.

Addressing Mental Health and Community Needs

• Many severe issues faced by students are linked to disconnection from school, highlighting the importance of mental health support in education.

• There is a pressing need to rebuild community ties, which have been weakened by social fragmentation exacerbated by recent crises. Schools can play a pivotal role in this reconstruction alongside health centers.

The Role of Schools in Social Dialogue

• Schools provide a unique environment where students feel heard and valued, fostering dialogue and diverse perspectives among peers and educators. This inclusivity reflects broader societal challenges.

• The deterioration of social bonds is evident, with schools being one of the few places where students express their feelings and experiences openly.

Understanding Local Contexts

• School leaders must adopt a comprehensive view of their communities, recognizing that each territory presents unique challenges and opportunities for engagement with students. A drone-like perspective can help visualize these complexities without superiority but with understanding.

• Different stakeholders (e.g., local government officials, educators) may have varying interpretations of what constitutes "territory," emphasizing the need for adaptable leadership in education settings.

Reflective Practices in Education

• Educators should engage in reflective practices to address complex educational issues effectively; listening to students' needs is fundamental to this process and should be recognized as a right.