Catalysts Advancing Equity Mindsets Into Equity-Centered Leadership Action: Insights on the Formation of Equity-Centered Dispositions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Reexamining Leadership for (Racial) Equity Challenges in K-12 and Higher Ed Contexts (Table 3)

Abstract

This paper explores how eight school leaders in four large urban districts acquire equity-centered dispositions to advance equity. Moving beyond positive thoughts about equity into tangible action helps leaders transition from equity euphemisms to genuine practice, regardless of context. Guided by Shield’s Transformative Leadership Model (2012, 2019), we demonstrate through dispositional profiles what motivates them to lead for equity and how they acquire such dispositions within limited district capacity. Results show participants’ orientations to self, others, and society, along with inspiration from their identity and life experiences, are fundamental in translating equity-centered mindsets into scalable action. We discuss the implications of advancing leadership for equity in renewing and repairing educational systems through a social justice lens.

Authors

• Tammie Causey-Konaté, American Institutes for Research

• Neven Matthew Holland, University of California - Los Angeles

• Louis M. Gomez, University of California - Los Angeles

• Daniella Molle, University of Wisconsin - Madison