Critical Case Studies of District-Level Equity Leaders in Public Schools

• In Event: 61.048 - Reframing That Opens Space for Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

This study is a collection of case studies on District-Level Equity Leaders (DELs) using a Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework, documenting their lived experiences including challenges they encounter, implementation strategies they utilize, and how they understand and fulfill their roles - especially in the context of current educational, social, and political spheres.

Despite differences in district, years of experience, personality, and vision, these DELs are remarkably similar: All operationalize a CRT framework, prioritizing the design of professional development, specialized programming, policy creation and reform, and engaging their district communities, however these efforts do not always mitigate the pervasive nature of their common challenges, including bias, politics and power dynamics, changes in leadership, and the emotional toll these leaders experience.

Author

• Meredith Maier, Durham Public Schools