School Superintendents Using Practical Wisdom to Promote Equity in Education

• In Event: Central Office Leadership Approaches Toward Equity

Abstract

This paper presents the notion of practical wisdom and how it can be applied in school systems to foster equity. This research uses an Aristotelean approach to character and centers around focus groups that gauge how school superintendents form their decision-making as well as their views on developing character in students. As the leaders of their systems, superintendents face moral and ethical dilemmas on a daily basis that require them to determine what is right in each situation and how to produce equitable decisions. Therefore, we outline an understanding of practical wisdom and how it aligns with the data found from the focus groups. Furthermore, this research examines how effective decision-making can promote equity in education.

Authors

• Jennifer Crawford, The University of Alabama

• Brenda Mendiola, University of Alabama

• David Ian Walker, University of Alabama