Navigating Mixed Messaging and Opposition: How District Policies Influence Teachers' Adoption of Antiracist Practices

• In Event: Central Office Leadership Approaches Toward Equity

Abstract

This study explores how the policies and decision-making processes of a predominantly white suburban school district influences and shapes school-level educators’ practices. Antiracism and critical whiteness are utilized together as the theoretical concept to investigate the role whiteness plays in educators' commitment, attitudes, and practices concerning antiracist education. This proposal shares findings on how the district’s policies and communication and decisions concerning such policies can influence the ways in which teachers take up, or do not antiracist-centered practices. There are implications for antiracist leadership at the district and school level as well as recommendations for further research.

Author

• Sarah D. Lent, University of Wisconsin - Madison