There is an alternative, and it is described in vivid detail in this book. When educational leaders adopt an equity-centered approach, they work to ensure that conditions conducive to good teaching and learning are in place.
While it would be most helpful if an equity-based approach to education reform were embraced by policymakers, we cannot afford to wait. As you will see in the pages ahead, there are educational leaders who are making significant progress at the school and district level by committing to strategically develop the professional capacity of teachers and the institutional capacity of schools to respond to student needs. Capacity building is a process that over time makes it possible for the skills of teachers to be in alignment with the needs of students. This mismatch in skills and resources is at the base of many of the challenges facing schools. With a commitment to capacity building and a clear understanding of how to carry it out in particular schools, educational leaders are moving forward in creating an environment where all children can learn at high levels.
From poverty to crime, from environmental degradation to economic underdevelopment, we have clear and compelling evidence that as societies make advances in education, many of these problems can be addressed. Educational leaders who succeed in advancing equity and serving the needs of all their students are finding ways to pursue excellence and equity by creating conditions in schools that address the academic and nonacademic needs of children (health, nutrition, safety, etc.). The educational leaders profiled in this book have a clear sense of how to systematically build the capacity of teachers and schools to meet the needs of the students they serve. I urge other leaders to learn from them so that, rather than being the exception, great schools that serve all children well will be the norm.
Reference
Ryssdal, K. (2012, June 6). Economist Joseph Stiglitz on income inequality in the U.S. In Marketplace. Minnesota Public Radio. https://www.marketplace.org/2012/06/06/economist-joseph-stiglitz-income-inequality-us/
Acknowledgments
From Alan
This book was born out of a sense of urgency. My co-author, Marcus Newsome, and I set about describing a challenging district formerly bereft of resources and plagued by more than a decade of corresponding results: failure to ever meet full accreditation. The crises that were tackled here in many ways became the norm for our nation and the world as COVID-19 and, soon after, civil unrest dominated the world landscape.
Bringing together the stories and lessons of courageous and breakthrough leadership became a group effort. This began with Marcus Newsome, followed by the extraordinary dedication of the Corwin team beginning with Monica Eckman and Dan Alpert whose moral courage and vision propelled this book forward in rapid response to the pressing needs to address immediate crisis while also redressing inequities in our educational communities and beyond. Lauren Mahan, Lucas Schleicher, Maura Sullivan, and Elena Nikitina likewise modeled a “whatever it takes” attitude and actions needed to get this work quickly into the hands of educators grappling with crisis never before experienced. Amy Schroller led our work through the production process with attentiveness and dedication.
Leadership begins at the top, and the SAGE organization has been endowed with “old school” classic leaders, the likes of which one rarely sees these days. Sara Miller McCune, David McCune, and Blaise Simqu are of a moral fiber and steadfastness in their beliefs and actions that is unparalleled in educational publishing if not in any corporate setting. Without their support and that of Michael Soules, president of Corwin Press, publishing such works as this book would be nearly impossible in today’s landscape.
The rest of the “village” that made this book possible included many frontline practitioners and thought leaders who are blazing a trail for equity out of the rubble of the crisis that COVID-19 has dealt school communities. Their courageous leadership, perseverance, and adaptability are laudable, and their willingness to share their time and expertise was vital to this work. We are also grateful to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to this endeavor: Margo Gottlieb, Dwayne Williams.
This book is dedicated to the “home” team that provided tremendous support, patience, love, and plenty of challenges too—all informing and allowing for this work to go forward:
My wife, Hourieh, who has been both loving soul mate and steadfast and patient partner throughout some ups and many downs in this period;
Ava Blankstein, my youngest little girl of eight years old whose compassion, wisdom, courage, and joy are a blessing and inspiration;
Sarah Blankstein, whose prodigal return to our home has been a blessing, enlightenment, and inspiration for this work, and whose own resilience and light shines brighter each day; and
Nancy Shin, who has been my trusted and unwavering friend, associate, and ally for thirty years influencing future generations in many ways, including as proud and beloved “nana” to Ava and Sarah.
From Marcus
The Lord God is the author and finisher of my faith, and the one to whom I am thankful for giving my life and work purpose and meaning. My grandmother, Tempie Holloman, who was a sharecropper, matriarch, and compass for our family, taught me to love everyone, never to speak negatively about others, and to serve humanity with charity, generosity, benevolence, empathy, civility, and humility. I acknowledge my mother and father, Essie and Henian Newsome, for their unconditional love, encouragement, and sacrifice, taking their four children from a home on a dirt road in rural North Carolina to opportunities to see the world. My siblings Dr. Edward Newsome Jr., Dr. Douglas Newsome, and Shelia (Newsome) Boyd and their families are constant cheerleaders. My college sweetheart and wife, Patsy, has been a rock of support, encouragement, and inspiration, and loving mother to our three beautiful children, Lynnell (husband TJ), Marcus Jr., and Phillip (wife Amanda).
I have been motivated and uplifted by countless dedicated educators and colleagues with whom I’ve worked in school districts in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Newport News City, Chesterfield County, and Petersburg City. I am indebted to principals Ellsworth Mitchell and Dr. Ralph Neil, who served as role models early in my teaching career, and Veolia Jackson, who pushed me out of my comfort zone to pursue leadership experiences, and Dr. Jerome Clarke and Dr. Iris Metts, who were superintendent role models. My friend and mentor Dr. Billy Cannaday, former state superintendent, has been an amazing role model. I am also grateful to the Virginia Association of School Superintendents for their ongoing support.
I am moved by my co-author, Alan Blankstein, for his friendship and belief in me, and Lauren Mahan, who has been an amazing contributor to this book. Finally, I thank the Corwin publishing team, and especially Dan Alpert, who is an incredible editor and person.
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
Corwin gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following reviewers:
Rosa AtkinsSuperintendentCharlottesville City SchoolsCharlottesville, VA
Cyndee BlountPrincipalAcquinton Elementary SchoolKing William, VA
Luvelle BrownSuperintendentIthaca City School DistrictIthaca, NY
Michael CasserlyStrategic AdvisorCouncil of the Great City Schools
Dallas DanceChief Executive OfficerThe DDance Group Inc.
Dan DomenechExecutive DirectorAmerican Association of School Administrators