The "Dark Side" of Leadership for Inclusion: Exploring Principal Practice Within a Neoliberal Paradigm

• In Event: Combating Oppression in Education

Abstract

A qualitative study sought to understand leadership for inclusive education (IE) from the perspective of primary school principals in Australia. The Ecology of IE was developed as a conceptual framework which afforded this notion to be studied within complex school contexts. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview and documentary data from ten case schools. Results yielded some unexpected and troubling findings. Practices that align with the ‘dark side of leadership’ were described and justified by principals. Teachers, students, and parents were recipients of practices used to coerce them into compliance where there had been resistance. This paper explores the influence of neo-liberal principles on the practices of principals as leaders of IE, as they work to meet systemic demands.

Authors

• Joanna Anderson, University of Adelaide
  Presenting Author

• Christopher Boyle, University of Adelaide
  Presenting Author