Strengthening Anti-Racist Educational Leaders: Advocating for Racial Equity in Turbulent Times

This edited volume explores the capacity building needed for school administrators to facilitate anti-racist change in their schools, highlighting the need for more educational leaders who adopt an anti-racist stance to work toward racial justice and equity in a society entrenched in racism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Anti-racist educational leadership is essential for creating equitable and inclusive school environments. However, many school administrators lack the necessary capacity to facilitate anti-racist change in their schools. This edited volume expands on the existing research on anti-racist educational leadership by identifying the type of capacity building that is needed for school administrators to effectively address racial inequities in education.

Racial inequities in education persist in part because the solutions that districts and schools choose to employ largely ignore why and how institutional and structural racism is the root cause of inequities in education. Yet, racial inequities in schooling can be redressed if districts and schools have leaders who are deeply committed to combatting racism in their daily practice and structures of schooling. This book underscores why we need more educational leaders who adopt an anti-racist stance in how they lead and are prepared to work toward racial justice and equity in a society so entrenched in racism.

Through diverse perspectives and voices, including scholars in the field of educational leadership, sociologists of education, school and district administrators, and grassroots community members and activist groups, this book addresses issues related to anti-racist educational leadership at various levels.

One of the key challenges facing anti-racist educational leadership is the need to address the systemic and institutional racism that exists in schools. This requires leaders to be able to identify and challenge the ways in which racism is perpetuated in the school system, including through policies, practices, and curriculum. Leaders must also be able to create a culture of inclusivity and belonging that promotes diversity and equity.

Another challenge facing anti-racist educational leadership is the need to address the impact of racism on students' academic achievement and well-being. Leaders must be able to develop strategies that address the academic and social needs of students from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced trauma or discrimination. This may involve providing additional support and resources, such as counseling, tutoring, and mentorship programs.

In addition to these challenges, anti-racist educational leadership requires a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning. Leaders must be able to stay up-to-date on the latest research and practices in anti-racist education and be willing to share their knowledge and expertise with others. This may involve attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions, as well as collaborating with other educators and community members.

One of the key strategies for developing anti-racist educational leadership is to provide training and support to school administrators. This can include training on anti-racist policies and practices, as well as training on how to create a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Leaders can also be provided with resources and support to develop and implement anti-racist policies and practices in their schools.

Another strategy for developing anti-racist educational leadership is to create a network of support for school administrators. This can include creating a network of other school administrators who are committed to anti-racist education, as well as creating a network of community members and activists who are committed to racial justice and equity.

In addition to these strategies, anti-racist educational leadership requires a commitment to addressing the root causes of racism. This may involve working to dismantle systemic and institutional racism, as well as working to address the social and economic conditions that contribute to racism.

One of the challenges facing anti-racist educational leadership is the resistance that can be encountered from some members of the school community. This resistance can be based on a variety of factors, including fear, ignorance, and prejudice. Leaders must be able to address this resistance in a respectful and effective manner.

Another challenge facing anti-racist educational leadership is the need to address the impact of racism on the broader community. This may involve working to build partnerships with other community organizations and agencies, as well as working to address the social and economic conditions that contribute to racism in the broader community.

In conclusion, anti-racist educational leadership is essential for creating equitable and inclusive school environments. However, many school administrators lack the necessary capacity to facilitate anti-racist change in their schools. This edited volume expands on the existing research on anti-racist educational leadership by identifying the type of capacity building that is needed for school administrators to effectively address racial inequities in education. By providing training and support to school administrators, creating a network of support, and addressing the root causes of racism, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350225138