From Bureaucracy to Belonging: Transforming School Leadership for Adaptive Education among Native Americans

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Leadership for School Improvement Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Many Native American students still face unfair treatment in schools, and this is partly because most school leadership systems are rigidly rule-based and disconnected from their culture. This paper looks at how school leadership can change to better support Native students by being flexible, respectful of indigenous culture, and more connected to the community. Using real-life examples, it shows how some schools should moved away from strict top-down leadership to more inclusive and culturally aware ways of working. Suggestion for school policies and practices that promote fairness, respect for Native identity, and stronger leadership rooted in justice and community is advocated.

Author

• James N. Onukwu, Washington State University