Assessing School Districts' Equity Journeys: Superintendents' Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities

• In Event: Advancing Equity in K–12 Education: Perspectives and Strategies

Abstract

As part of a research collaboration between the Institute for Racial Justice and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data to determine how school districts throughout Illinois are progressing toward greater equity. One significant aspect of this project focused on understanding the viewpoints of superintendents regarding their respective districts' attempts to become more inclusive and equitable.
The results of our study indicate that while superintendents acknowledge the importance of equity, they face several challenges in implementing effective initiatives. These challenges include but are not limited to a lack of support from local communities and educators, in some instances. Additionally, superintendents expressed a need for more assistance from ISBE and other stakeholders to overcome these obstacles.
We will discuss the implications of our findings for educational policy and practice and provide recommendations for how to support superintendents in their efforts to promote equity within their school districts.

Author

• Malik S. Henfield, Loyola University Chicago