District Leadership for Racial Equity Lessons from School Systems that are Closing the Gap

Foreword  Preface  Acknowledgements  1. Introduction  2. Pursuing “Possible Futures”: Innovating toward Equity in Edgecombe County Public Schools  3. “All Means All”: Creating an Equity Framework in Hoke County Schools  4. “Consistent and Courageous”: Building Racial Equity Infrastructure in Jefferson County Public Schools  5. “Diversity is Our Strength”: Expanding Access to Opportunity in Pflugerville Independent School District  6. Conclusion: What Leading for Racial Equity Takes

Biography

Larkin Willis is a researcher and policy associate at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.

Desiree Carver-Thomas is a senior researcher and policy analyst at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.

Linda Darling-Hammond is Professor Emeritus at Stanford University and President and CEO at the Learning Policy Institute, USA.

"This powerful resource equips leaders with actionable strategies to dismantle systemic inequities in education. With inspiring case studies and insights that guide the creation of inclusive school environments where every student can thrive, District Leadership for Racial Equity is essential for anyone committed to transformative, lasting change in our education system." – Nancy Gutiérrez, The Leadership Academy

"This book unpacks the hard work of school leaders in four districts committed to racial equity.  It highlights the importance of visionary and collaborative leadership, and the power of systemic change. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, this book expands our understanding of tried and true possibilities toward pursuing racial equity." – Will Jordan, The Wallace Foundation

"For practicing professionals, this book offers guidance for what education leaders need to know and be able to do to close academic, social-emotional, and discipline gaps for students of color. And for policymakers, this book offers insights for creating productive policies grounded in educational practices that have been shown to advance racial equity." – Jabari Mahiri, Berkeley School of Education

"One of the most challenging issues in public education is to confront long held beliefs of the intellectual capacity of students of color and their communities. The other is to break with the systems that uphold those beliefs by centering community, embracing local wisdoms, and acknowledging that we all have much to learn. The districts in this book show us that not only can it be done, but that the time for doing it is now!" – Mónica Byrne-Jimenez, University Council for Educational Administration, Executive Director, Michigan State University