Preparing Principals to Lead for Equity Across North Carolina: A Qualitative Case Study

• In Event: Voices of Racially Diverse Educational Leaders

Abstract

Principal preparation programs have long been blamed for principals’ unpreparedness to mediate inequities across their schools. Further compounding this issue is the lack of research demonstrating how principal preparation programs are enacting equity-oriented practices. This study uses a case study approach to examine how preparation programs across North Carolina are preparing aspiring school leaders to lead for equity. Through an analysis of data obtained from semi-structured interviews and content analysis of program websites and documents such as syllabi, the study finds that equity-oriented principal preparation practices were largely evident through their curriculum and pedagogy. Their efforts also extended to other areas such as admission, faculty, and internship. The findings from this study offer significant implications for principal preparation programs.

Authors

• Mario Jackson, Florida State University

• Zainab Qaabidh, North Carolina State University