Improvement Science in Rural Schools and Communities: Conceptual Considerations for Leadership Preparation and Practice

• In Event: Harnessing Improvement Science for Equity in Education: Addressing Inequities in Educational Leadership, Teacher Preparation, and Systemic Reform

Abstract

This conceptual paper explores improvement science (IS) as a component of Ed.D. programs that prepare building and district leaders to serve rural communities. Drawing on critical place-based leadership and community-aware educational policy, we note the strengths of IS in generating practical knowledge about what works locally. However, the limited human resource capacities of rural schools may create challenges in implementing IS, as well as the tensions of leading change under public scrutiny. Lastly, there is a need for research to better understand the preparation experiences of aspiring rural school and district leaders and how Ed.D. programs address the variety of school contexts across their regions and states.

Authors

• Sarah J Zuckerman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Daniella Hall Sutherland, University of Vermont