Messy Messages and Making Sense Across Complex Contexts: A Regional Network of Superintendents Confronting Equity

• In Event: 68.060 - Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: 68.060-2 - School and District Leadership Engaging Social Justice

Abstract

This paper analyzes interactions among 12 superintendents, who in various stages of learning about equity issues, confronted issues related to poverty, race, and LGBTQ inclusion, and shared their experiences with each other in monthly meetings. We analyze how they negotiate their own equity understandings among their peers. Findings reveal “messy messages” across four domains: public versus private talk, and public versus private action. These messages illustrate the complexity of district equity advocacy, and increasing need for social justice education in leadership preparation programs, particularly at the superintendent certification level. Descriptors: equity, superintendent, leadership development

Authors

• Katherine Rodela, Washington State University

• Sharon D. Kruse, Washington State University - Vancouver

• Kristin Shawn Huggins, Washington State University