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Author: Jeffrey J. Fleig
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
The current literature examines the role of the superintendent in equity change across a single dimension of identity or on particular equity changes, but not across multiple levels of change. Given this gap in the literature, this study examined the research question: What are the roles and practices of the superintendent that advances equity systems change? To conceptually frame the study, I relied on what I term, critical role theory. To address the research question, I engaged in a qualitative, single case study design of a district engaged in equity systems change. I collected data via interviews of the superintendent, district office personnel, principals, and school board members (a total of 14 participants). Additionally, I reviewed equity related documents and observed equity focused professional development. I analyzed data via the constant comparative method. The research produced four roles of the superintendents that advanced equity systems change: (a) Chief Equity Officer; (b) Engager with the Equity Efforts; (c) Community Leader for Equity; and (d) Partnering with Principals in Leading for Equity. The superintendent engaged in the following practices that supported each role. For the role of Chief Equity Officer, the superintendent lead equity efforts at multiple levels and used positional power to lead equity. In the role of engager with the equity efforts, the superintendent (a) prioritized equity in the strategic plan; (b) set a foundation for equity change; (c) held staff accountable; (d) responded to racial incidents, (e) created an equity plan; (f) engaged in courageous conversations; and (g) held himself and the district accountable. In the role of community leader for equity, the superintendent: (a) responded to racial incidents in the community; (b) initiated racial training for the school and community; and (c) collaborated with community resources for equity. The final role, partner with principals in leading for equity, the superintendent (a) collaborated with principals on their equity efforts and (b) provided them the resources they needed to effectively lead the equity efforts. The findings informed a new theory: Theory of Superintendent Roles and Practices that Advance Equity Systems change.
Author: Jeffrey J. Fleig
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
The current literature examines the role of the superintendent in equity change across a single dimension of identity or on particular equity changes, but not across multiple levels of change. Given this gap in the literature, this study examined the research question: What are the roles and practices of the superintendent that advances equity systems change? To conceptually frame the study, I relied on what I term, critical role theory. To address the research question, I engaged in a qualitative, single case study design of a district engaged in equity systems change. I collected data via interviews of the superintendent, district office personnel, principals, and school board members (a total of 14 participants). Additionally, I reviewed equity related documents and observed equity focused professional development. I analyzed data via the constant comparative method. The research produced four roles of the superintendents that advanced equity systems change: (a) Chief Equity Officer; (b) Engager with the Equity Efforts; (c) Community Leader for Equity; and (d) Partnering with Principals in Leading for Equity. The superintendent engaged in the following practices that supported each role. For the role of Chief Equity Officer, the superintendent lead equity efforts at multiple levels and used positional power to lead equity. In the role of engager with the equity efforts, the superintendent (a) prioritized equity in the strategic plan; (b) set a foundation for equity change; (c) held staff accountable; (d) responded to racial incidents, (e) created an equity plan; (f) engaged in courageous conversations; and (g) held himself and the district accountable. In the role of community leader for equity, the superintendent: (a) responded to racial incidents in the community; (b) initiated racial training for the school and community; and (c) collaborated with community resources for equity. The final role, partner with principals in leading for equity, the superintendent (a) collaborated with principals on their equity efforts and (b) provided them the resources they needed to effectively lead the equity efforts. The findings informed a new theory: Theory of Superintendent Roles and Practices that Advance Equity Systems change.
Author: Tamra Stephanie Collins
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Educational change
Languages : en
Pages : 115
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Book Description
Change is an intentional process and it requires system leaders to be strategic and purposeful with their actions. In order to effect systemic change within their respective districts, system leaders need to be clear about the moral imperative (Fullan, 2004) of equity work. Superintendents will need to be cognizant and empathetic of the students and communities they serve, engage in difficult conversations, understand the challenges that surface as a result of inequity, and be open to inclusion and collaboration. The researcher examined the extent district leaders can influence changing the culture of their districts to ensure equity. Additionally, the research highlighted an analysis of how district leaders’ perceived beliefs and attitudes about inequities can impact district practices and policies, as well as how system leaders’ assessment of their own culture shapes how they deal with addressing disproportions in low and middle socioeconomic school districts. While there is ample research and literature on the issues of addressing the achievement gap and culturally proficient leadership to address inequities, there is not sufficient research regarding how district leaders, superintendents in particular, engage in systemic changes that address inequities within lower and middle socioeconomic school districts. Moreover, there is little research focused on New York City Superintendents’ perceptions and influence in advancing sustainable equity work with varying socioeconomic districts. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how superintendents engage in systemic change that addresses inequities within lower and middle-class school districts in New York City. The participants targeted in this research were divided into two groups. The first group were superintendents who led districts with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and the second group was comprised of superintendents that led middle- class districts. The research design that was employed was a qualitative study, and it was conducted using interviews, examining publicly available documents, and a review of relevant research to support the findings. The findings that emerged from this research showed that superintendents, regardless of leading districts with differing socioeconomic status, are steering systemic change that addresses the underlying issues of inequity but not in a step by step process, and not in the same way. Another finding focused on how superintendents were building the capacity of school leaders to lead equity work in their schools, while they advocated and redistributed resources to underserved communities. A third finding highlighted superintendents in middle-class districts whose perceived beliefs and attitudes reflected the need to create diversity within their district schools, while superintendents in low-socioeconomic districts perceived beliefs and attitudes referenced that their districts lacked access to resources, a lack of high-quality teaching and low expectations. Lastly, superintendents demonstrated their influence in advancing equity by setting clear goals and non-negotiables focused on closing the achievement gap.
Author: Meredith Mountford
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1641135263
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 271
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Book Description
What is (R)Evolutionary Leadership? Why Does it Matter? How can contemporary school district administrators, specifically superintendents, contend with so many difficult, and almost impossible competing commitments? Building on the definitions of revolution, revolutionary, evolution, and evolutionary, the notion of (R)Evolutionary Leadership emerged while discussing the need for school district leaders to push back against the status quo while improving teacher and leadership practices, improving student learning outcomes, engaging with the community, and ensuring decision making processes that include check and balance systems that are just, fair, and equitable for all. The chapters in this book introduce superintendents or research on superintendents in which these tenants were practiced; both in their ability to enact radical change by “overthrowing” the status quo – as well as evolutionary in their deliberate approach to viewing change as a process they can control over time. These leaders were willing to confront and defy practices and policies that were counter to student well-being and achievement while concurrently knowing how to reach their desired results. The chapters chosen for inclusion in this volume are those that offered a glimpse of these revolutionary tenants in practice. We ask that you consider this emerging concept as you explore the chapters of our book. You will find the (R)evolutionary Leaders you meet in the chapters know how to evolve, not just to stay alive, but to ensure the organization (school) remains relevant and vital to society. These leaders use their positional power, social capital, and expertise to advocate for policies and practices that are in the best interest of the school community and they innovate in ways that challenge the status quo. You will also find practices that are (R)Evolutionary and provide ways for leaders to innovate, collaborate, and simply take care of themselves and those around them. Our description does not seek to support or define or delineate the characteristics of a (R)Evolutionary Leader or how one might enact (R)Evolutionary Leadership–but serves as a way to (re)think the way we view the vastly complex work of school district administrators, specifically the superintendent. (R)Evolutionary leadership may change our ways of thinking about the significant advocacy role a superintendent can play in influencing both practice and policy to enact the change necessary to move forward issues of justice, equity, and quality in PK-12 schools and further to improve educational and social outcomes for those served.
Author: Theodore J. Kowalski
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1452241082
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 449
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Book Description
The School Superintendent: Theory, Practice, and Cases is the essential guide to succeeding as a superintendent or as an administrator in another district-level position. Comprehensive in both theory and practice, this textbook and reference guide examines the role and responsibilities of school district administration in professional, social, philosophical, and political frames, while balancing perspectives of rewards and challenges commonly expressed by school superintendents. Important topics covered include the emerging role of superintendent as communicator, the changing conditions in districts and schools, inadequate funding for public schools, and the treatment of policy administration, leadership roles, and community involvement. Fully updated, the Third Edition provides: greater emphasis on the challenges facing novice superintendents; new material on strategic planning and visioning; new and expanded coverage of contemporary issues such as inadequate district funding and social challenges; additional figures, tables, key terms, and other helpful learning tools; and more.
Author: Joshua P. Starr
Publisher: Harvard Education Press
ISBN: 1682537293
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 247
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Book Description
With a visionary approach to school improvement, Equity-Based Leadership proposes a framework to support system leaders seeking to organize change and achieve more equitable education. In this ambitious yet pragmatic work, Joshua P. Starr makes the case that intentional and attentive district leadership can bring about continuous improvement in schools. When district reforms are conceived with social justice in mind, Starr explains, schools move toward fulfilling the longstanding promise of equitable education in America. Starr asserts that the essential goal of good system leadership lies in designing, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive strategies for school reform, in collaboration with school leaders, educators, and community shareholders. Drawing on his own experiences and those of other distinguished superintendents, he offers core practices that system leaders can use to ensure that the mission of their district is upheld throughout any change process and that precious time and funding are used judiciously. Recognizing that there is no single path to transformation, Starr sets forth a flexible, customizable agenda for district reform that concentrates on six elements, or entry points. Starr's first entry point is curriculum content, as teaching and learning are the fundamental goals of a school system. But he goes further to advocate for a deep dive into the organization and alignment of the system itself, via deliberate support of shared values; explicit and transparent decision-making; resource allocation in line with vision and need; talent management to achieve new levels of educator performance; and nourishment of school culture. Additionally, Starr brings together a wide range of real-world examples, evidence-based practices, and sensible advice to guide district leaders in aligning their systems around a coherent equity strategy. This bold new approach to transforming educational systems confidently guides the higher-level decision-making of leaders—not only superintendents but also school board members, cabinet members, and central office administrators—within the context of district-wide efforts to make education better for all students.
Author: George S. Perry, Jr.
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1071851411
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 361
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Book Description
"Equity leadership is a complex and often perilous endeavor -- particularly in our current era of political polarization. The fundamental (and paradoxical) challenge is advancing equity in a system that was never designed to serve all children. Deep systemic change will happen only when educators and their community partners understand how the interlocking systems in education operate and learn how to crack the codes that have perpetuated those systems. A number of books on equity leadership focus on single improvement strategies such as equity audits, equitable grading practices, and cultural competence. However, there are few guides to navigating the complex barriers to implementing deep rooted change. The proposed title is unique in that it honors the complexity of such change but, at the same time, equips leaders with actionable, strategic moves to advance an equity agenda. And, while knowing these moves is important, knowing when to make the moves is critical. The moves are non-linear, interconnected and sometimes overlapping, possibly ambiguous and always situational"--
Author: George S. Perry, Jr.
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1071851403
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 307
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Book Description
Advance equity by learning to crack the system’s codes We must act now, using what we already know, to advance equity and raise the achievement of every student. With three decades of leading equity work across the country, George S. Perry Jr. issues a call to action for educational leaders who are willing to fight the fight for equity for all students. School and district leaders will encounter roadblocks as they enact systemic change, but Equity Warriors introduces practical, realistic, and strategic approaches for navigating those barriers. Equity Warriors equips education leaders with the moves they can make today to achieve the vision that every student becomes a high achiever by Providing real school and district examples of systemic equity efforts Demonstrating the parallel work that school and district teams must do to achieve and sustain systemic change Cracking the codes in the domains of politics, diplomacy, and warfare to achieve the equity agenda. Equity Warriors is a must read for leaders at all levels of the system who have chosen to be in this fight and are ready to do what it takes to make the system work for all students.
Author: Sonia E. Martinez
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Educational leadership
Languages : en
Pages : 100
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Book Description
The New York City Public School System has experienced many education reforms over the decades. In 2002, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was granted mayoral control of the New York City Public School System. The continuous reform efforts affected superintendents’ roles. This change focused on systemic reform rather than local reform, which was one of the community district superintendents’ responsibilities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the evolving role of superintendents during frequent change efforts introduced in the New York City Public School System between 2002-2016. This study investigated the changing role of superintendents and how the various organizational changes and practices affected school leaders. It also investigated if any transition supports existed for superintendents during the frequent change efforts. Research participants included thirteen New York City superintendents who first had experienced the various change efforts for at least five years or more in the role of superintendent. This study was guided by two research questions in which six themes emerged. The findings of the study suggest that all of the 13 participants agreed that frequent transitions affected how they approached their responsibilities. The results also revealed that superintendents that had developed trust in their districts, were able to maintain those relationships during all the change efforts. In addition, all of the participants concurred that their role was to build leaders. This vi study also found that all participants agreed that before policies are instituted, all educational stakeholders, including parents, must have input. Additionally, the participants acknowledged that the constant change of policy throughout the last decade resulted in lack of consistency and continuity and was not conducive to success. Eight out of the 13 participants agreed that the transition support over the last two years (2014-2016) was substantive. The participants agree that the current administration, seems to have a better approach in introducing and managing change efforts. One of such approaches is the ability for superintendents to provide ongoing support to their principals and monitor instructional changes enables superintendents to fairly evaluate outcomes.
Author: Jaime E. Welborn
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1071823663
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 533
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Book Description
The pathway to uncovering and dismantling inequities Educational leaders who work in the district, site, or classroom level know that opportunity gaps have long been a focus of education policy in the United States. Leadership can be a critical lever for advancing policies that oppose racism and confront systemic inequities. In meeting this challenge, educators have found that acknowledging beliefs and behaviors is critical. Still, deficit-based thinking, especially due to privilege, remains a barrier to equity. Among the most damaging blind spots is the continuation of practices that are grounded in the values of entitled groups. Leading Change Through the Lens of Cultural Proficiency tells the story of a school community in the midwest United States that contended with its approach to teaching and valuing students of diverse backgrounds. Featuring the research-based Cultural Proficiency Framework and Tools, the book provides a clear road map to advancing equity across schools and districts. Designed to support leaders and school communities in developing policies and practices that respond to the needs of all students, this book Guides school leaders in a journey of learning the theory and strategies that improved student achievement and improved the working conditions in this district Features a real-life case study of a school community using the Tools of Cultural Proficiency and the Framework Provides vignettes and data, based on work conducted across an actual school district, that resulted in improvements in school climate, achievement, mindset, and equitable educational practices Includes powerful reflection, dialogic, and action activities for use in a variety of community learning modalities Is grounded in assets-based assumptions with respect to students, families, and the school community With a focus on engagement, leadership, implementation frameworks, and collaborative learning, the authors demonstrate how to uncover and remedy inequities. Designed for education leaders at all levels of the education system, this is the ideal foundational text for implementing Cultural Proficiency in your setting as you open doors for all students to thrive.
Author: James Harvey
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1452217491
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 401
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Book Description
Guidance for ever-changing challenges, success through improved effectiveness Equip yourself to face the demands of a superintendent with this practical guide for new and veteran school leaders. Understanding leadership and budgets is only one piece of a pie that has grown to include privatization, performance- based teacher compensation, technology, and global comparisons like PISA. Based on 15 years of research with 300 superintendents, including members of the National Superintendents Roundtable, The Superintendents Fieldbook will become your touchstone for practical advice that you can implement today. The authors developed this new edition to help you Navigate difficult situations through sample cases and tips for action Lead with an eye on global impacts by illuminating education abroad Understand the Common Core standards as explained by fellow superintendents Explore instructional coaching and rounds as professional learning opportunities
