Culturally Relevant Leadership in Practice: Navigating Crisis and Student Diversity in Three Chilean Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Culturally Responsive Leadership for Diversity

Abstract

This study highlights the experiences of three public schools in Chile that not only survived but also thrived despite challenging conditions. They successfully navigated a convergence of three phenomena: first, the high-pressure to achieve excellent academic results while managing new legislation that restricts punitive sanctions like expulsion and grade retention, all within a public education system affected by a quasi-market education system and a New Public Management regime; second, profound disruption triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic; and third, a rapid diversification of their student populations. Drawing on the Culturally Relevant School Leadership framework, this research highlights the leadership practices employed in inclusive schools and connected to positive outcomes across various indicators.

Authors

• Maria Eugenia Rojas Concha, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Carmen Montecinos, Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

• Jorge Rojas, Universidad de Concepción