Advancing Critical Consciousness in American Muslim Students: A Qualitative Case Study on Culturally Relevant Leadership

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-8 - Leadership Capacity for Cultural Competence

Abstract

This qualitative case study sought to understand Islamic School leaders’ efforts as culturally relevant leaders. McCray & Beachum’s (2014) framework of Cultural Relevant Leadership (CRL) helped deconstruct the intricacies of leading the school with critical consciousness, pluralistic insight and reflexive action. Through collective responsibility they engaged the larger community, specifically other faith traditions. Students were empowered to make courageous pronouncements about global injustices while participating in activities that contributed to the second tenet of promoting pluralistic insight. Finally, fault lines were evident in their attempt to exercise reflexive practice. School leaders fell short in their ability to engage specific partners from the outside, which runs counter to their belief that students should be civically engaged.

Authors

• Miriam Deborah Ezzani, University of North Texas

• Melanie Carol Brooks, Monash University