Cultivating Equitable Education: Turkish School Principals' Efforts for Social Justice in an Urban Setting

• In Event: As the World Turns: School and District Reform From a Global Perspective

Abstract

The behavioral patterns of educational leaders in multicultural settings have been subject to many discussions and researches. The purpose of our study was to explore the role of leadership in formulating equitable educational experiences in four middle schools located in a socioeconomically disadvantaged urban setting in Turkey. Using a multiple case study research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with four school principals working in public schools located in impoverished neighborhoods of the capital city of Ankara. Our analysis revealed deep-rooted injustices that shape the students' educational experiences and place them in disadvantaged groups. Data also showed that school principals show transformational, transactional, and social justice leadership behaviors to equitable distribution of social and material resources to ensure justice for all.

Authors

• Tuba Gokmenoglu, Ministry of National Education

• Elif Dasci-Sonmez, Aksaray University

• İpek Sagim