Interrogating Superintendent Practices Regarding Cultural Responsiveness, Social Emotional Competence, and Equity

• In Event: Research on the Superintendency SIG (#97) Paper Session 2: Trust, Mindset, Response, and Equity

Abstract

This study examines what, if any, promising practices district leaders have adopted across Illinois to explicitly promote cultural responsiveness, social emotional competence, and equity. In 2021, we coded a selection of leadership standards, studies, and initiatives for equity themes, compiling promising practices for district leaders. In summer 2022, these practices were posed to over 500 Illinois superintendents in a survey to determine which practices they may have implemented in eight categories: articulation, diversity, bias, evaluation, professional development, modeling, integration, and wellness. Though data collection is ongoing, results indicate a breadth of practices being employed by district leaders as well as those under-utilized. Follow-up interviews of select superintendents illuminate the challenges and advantages encountered as part of their equity work.

Authors

• Kathleen B. King, North Central College
  Presenting Author

• Mary Beth Ressler, North Central College
  Presenting Author

• Alexandra Escobar, Affirming Voices, LLC
  Presenting Author