Preparing Education Leaders to Meet Diverse School Needs: A Cross-Case Analysis of Principal Preparation Programs

摘要

As schools become increasingly culturally diverse, school leaders require the preparation to assist them with the challenges they may face. Educational leaders have a responsibility to guarantee that all students are receiving an equitable and fair education. School leaders have a duty to promote teaching and learning for all students. Principal preparation program should prepare today's school leaders with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be culturally aware and hold high expectation for all students and create inclusive school environments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine if principal preparation programs in South Carolina are preparing school leaders to lead successfully in culturally diverse schools, as culturally competent, culturally responsive, and socially just school leaders. A multi-case study approach was used to collect and analyze data from four principal preparation programs to assess the effectiveness of their programs. The findings revealed that principal preparation programs were not preparing aspiring school leaders to lead effectively in culturally diverse school settings as culturally competent, responsive, and socially just leaders. Principals are being prepared with the traditional preparation program design and content knowledge. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations for principal preparation programs, state accreditation agencies, and list implication for changing policy.