Working to Dismantle Enduring Educational Inequity: Actions and Beliefs of Equity-Minded Educational Leaders

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Equity-Minded Leaders Transforming the Global Educational Landscape (Table 10)

Abstract

This current moment is marked by conservative backlash to the momentum catalyzed by protests for racial justice during the summer of 2020. Equity-driven leadership in K-12 public schools is pivotal if we aim to meet the needs of the future, rather than return to injustices of the past. Therefore, this study illuminates the stories of 17 equity focused educational leaders from two, urban school districts in Southern California intentionally selected for their inspirational leadership. Using portraiture, the findings show how these leaders’ personal, lived experiences informed their tendencies to actively listen to various groups to inform their decision-making, engage in collective ongoing learning opportunities, and ultimately find success by creating alignment through a shared commitment to equity across the district.

Authors

• Betty J. Alford, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Liane I. Hypolite, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona