2012 UCEA Convention

Building Strong Leaders: The Role of Non-traditional Leadership Preparation in Developing Inclusive and Instructional Leaders. Suzanne McCotter, Montclair State University; Katrina Bulkley, Montclair State University; Cynthia Bankowski, Montclair State University
The importance of school leaders to student learning has become increasingly evident, as has the influence of leadership preparation programs on the effectiveness of those leaders. This qualitative study examines the preparation of novice leaders who are engaged in non-university-based preparation programs in New York City. Using Bryk’s (2010) dimensions of instructional and inclusive facilitative leadership, the influence of both participant backgrounds and preparation programs are considered.

Leadership, Principal Preparation and Race. Mark A. Gooden, University of Texas at Austin; Ann O’Doherty, The University of Washington
While race continues to be a taboo subject in American culture, schools and districts struggle to close racial achievement gaps. A principalship program assigns a racial autobiography to serve as a catalyst for unpacking and exploring deeply held racial beliefs. This research supports that acknowledgement of personal beliefs allows graduate students to recognize racial inequities in institutional practices and societal structures. Students report this experience has a lasting impact on leadership approach and practice.

University-based Preparation Programs: Framing Leadership for Social Justice. Tina Trujillo, University of California - Berkeley; Robert Cooper, UCLA
In education, we hear a lot about good instructional leaders. Less often, we hear about social justice leaders. The latter call attention to social and political inequities that persist in their school and society. This latter principal is indispensable in urban contexts. Yet a divide between theoretical accounts of social justice leadership and preparation programs still exists. This paper articulates a social justice framework used to guide a university-based principal preparation program.