Principal Leadership for Racial Equity
A Field Guide for Developing Race Consciousness
- Candace Raskin - Minnesota State University, Mankato, USA
- Melissa Krull
- Antonia Felix
Foreword by Glenn E. Singleton, A Joint Publication with Learning Forward
The COVID 19 pandemic has illuminated deep-seated structural inequities in our schools and across society. More than ever, education leaders are being challenged to take action to disrupt the institutional racism that undergirds many of our longstanding policies and practices. Our students are challenging us to step up and be antiracists who commit to the uncompromising belief all children can learn and deserve an exceptional education. Based on 10 years of work leading the Institute for Courageous Principal Leadership, this book guides leaders to expanding their racial consciousness through self-reflection and provides the tools they need to counter implicit bias and respond to resistance. Grounded in research, but written in practitioner-friendly language, this book:
• Focuses on systemic leadership and institutional failures as the source of predictable student outcomes
• Leverages research and theory to create a process for principals to build racially equitable practices
• Navigates the politics of leadership without compromising student achievement
The practical lessons and strategies in this book will equip you with the skills to implement the leadership and actions that must be taken to confront the reality of systemic racism in education and transform schools into learning environments with a student-centered commitment to high achievement for every learner.
"Understanding and developing racial consciousness with principals is critical and a focus of many Boards today. Principal Leadership for Racial Equity provides practical, realistic, and useful guidance by working readers through a series of chapters intended to develop racial consciousness and provide administrators with the tools to start work in schools. The activities engage the reader in each chapter to uncover bias and develop an understanding with the matter. The reflection questions in the chapter also provide additional learning, and are especially useful when engaged in learning with a group."
"This book offers a compelling message of hope and steps towards inclusion for school administrators and district leaders in addressing racial equality. This book engages in discussion and actions that move from an idea to implementation. It is a practical guide to implement a system in a manner that is conducive to enhancing the culture and performance of the organization."