Equity-Based Leadership: Leveraging Complexity to Transform School Systems - Softcover

Joshua P. Starr (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1682537285 ISBN 13: 9781682537282

Publisher: Harvard Education Press, 2022

Synopsis

With a visionary approach to school improvement, Equity-Based Leadership proposes a framework to support system leaders seeking to organize change and achieve more equitable education.

In this ambitious yet pragmatic work, Joshua P. Starr makes the case that intentional and attentive district leadership can bring about continuous improvement in schools. When district reforms are conceived with social justice in mind, Starr explains, schools move toward fulfilling the longstanding promise of equitable education in America.

Starr asserts that the essential goal of good system leadership lies in designing, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive strategies for school reform, in collaboration with school leaders, educators, and community shareholders. Drawing on his own experiences and those of other distinguished superintendents, he offers core practices that system leaders can use to ensure that the mission of their district is upheld throughout any change process and that precious time and funding are used judiciously.

Recognizing that there is no single path to transformation, Starr sets forth a flexible, customizable agenda for district reform that concentrates on six elements, or entry points. Starr's first entry point is curriculum content, as teaching and learning are the fundamental goals of a school system. But he goes further to advocate for a deep dive into the organization and alignment of the system itself, via deliberate support of shared values; explicit and transparent decision-making; resource allocation in line with vision and need; talent management to achieve new levels of educator performance; and nourishment of school culture.

Additionally, Starr brings together a wide range of real-world examples, evidence-based practices, and sensible advice to guide district leaders in aligning their systems around a coherent equity strategy.

This bold new approach to transforming educational systems confidently guides the higher-level decision-making of leaders―not only superintendents but also school board members, cabinet members, and central office administrators―within the context of district-wide efforts to make education better for all students.

About this title

About the Author

Joshua P. Starr is the chief executive officer of PDK International and a former superintendent.

From the Back Cover

With a visionary approach to school improvement, Equity-Based Leadership proposes a framework to support system leaders seeking to organize change and provide more-equitable education. Joshua P. Starr makes the case that intentional and attentive district leadership can bring about continuous improvement in schools. When district reforms are conceived with social justice in mind, Starr explains, schools move toward fulfilling the longstanding promise of equitable education in America.

Starr's method for transforming educational systems confidently guides the higher-level decision-making of leaders--not only superintendents but also school board members, cabinet members, and central office administrators--within the context of districtwide efforts to make education better for all students.

"This book is full of concrete examples that provide practical guidance on how to bring coherence to change efforts, starting with classroom instruction. Starr's approach is detailed and nuanced, rooted in an understanding of the complex issues that frequently obstruct efforts to bring about improvement. For educators seeking to advance education for all students, this book will be helpful and undoubtedly an invaluable resource."
--Pedro A. Noguera, Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California

"Equity-Based Leadership provides a blueprint for future-driven teaching and learning. Joshua P. Starr points out that in order to capture a vision of equity-focused education, school leaders must take bold steps to rewrite the rule book to create conditions for success."
-Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA, the School Superintendents Association

"Joshua P. Starr shows how school district superintendents can and must be main drivers of change at that scale. His real-world examples--including those from his own leadership across several districts--illustrate superintendents rolling up their sleeves and working alongside staff and community members to rewrite the old rules in ways that move teaching and learning to center stage."
--Meredith I. Honig, director of the District Leadership Design Lab and professor of education policy, organizations, and leadership, University of Washington

Joshua P. Starr is the chief executive officer of PDK International and a former superintendent.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard Education Press
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1682537285
• ISBN 13: 9781682537282
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 260