Partnerships That Support Arizona Leadership Teams to Balance Evidence-Based Policy and Culturally Responsive Education

• In Event: Leadership Strategies and Instructional Practices That Enhance Equity and Cultural Responsiveness

Abstract

This paper considers the historical and contemporary context for school development, including the tensions, dilemmas. and possibilities for cultivating culturally responsive education in increasingly diverse schools and communities and presents findings from an Arizona school development project (AZiLDR) developed in partnership with school districts, a university, and a non-profit organization. Conceptually, AZiLDR draws upon international studies of successful leadership from the International Successful School Principalship Project, studies of culturally responsive education, and theories of education. Findings are promising in terms of student outcomes and the development of leadership capacity around research, culturally responsive practices, and education values. The paper concludes with a discussion about relationships with other state and national approaches as well as implications for future school development post-Covid.

Authors

• Lynnette A. Brunderman, University of Arizona

• Rose M. Ylimaki, Northern Arizona University