The Role of School Leaders in Transforming Experiences, Engagement, and Opportunities for Black Student Excellence

• In Event: Student-Focused Leadership for Equity and Justice

Abstract

This qualitative study examines how school leaders in an urban school district in the Western United States implement the Black Student Excellence Initiative (BSEI), a districtwide strategy aimed at improving the educational experiences and outcomes of Black students. Grounded in transformative leadership theory (Shields, 2010), the study explores how leaders at three school sites—an elementary, middle, and high school—understand the needs of Black students, enact their roles within BSEI, and navigate implementation. Using a multiple-case study design (Merriam, 2009; Yin, 2005), data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six administrators over a two-year period. Findings highlight how the leaders’ identities and experiences, leadership styles, and school contexts influenced their approach to the equity driven initiative.

Authors

• Diana A. Porras, California State University - Long Beach

• Cara Richards-Tutor, California State University - Long Beach

• Jolan Smith, California State University - Long Beach

• Vanessa Placeres, San Diego State University

• Caroline Lopez-Perry, California State University - Long Beach