Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership

Stuck Improving is an insightful case study of changemaking in action that analyzes the complex process of racial equity reform within K–12 schools. Scholar Decoteau J. Irby emphasizes that racial equity is dynamic and that those who accept the challenge of reform find themselves "stuck improving." Irby brings readers into a large suburban high school as school leaders strive to redress racial inequities among the increasingly diverse student population. He argues that lasting transformation relies on the cultivation of organizational conditions that render structural racism impossible to preserve and that schools must strengthen and leverage personal, relational, and organizational capacities to sustain meaningful change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Harvard Educational Publishing Group

Stuck Improving is a groundbreaking case study that delves into the intricate process of racial equity reform within K–12 schools. Scholar Decoteau J. Irby emphasizes that racial equity is a dynamic and ever-evolving concept, shaped by both the evolution of our collective racial consciousness and the resurgence of racism. Those who embrace the challenge of reform find themselves perpetually caught in a dilemma: striving for progress while constantly realizing that there is still more work to be done. Irby views stuckness not as a failure but as an essential part of the improvement process.

The book takes readers on a journey into a large suburban high school, where school leaders are dedicated to addressing racial inequities in their increasingly diverse student population. Over a span of five years, Irby witnesses both progress and setbacks in the leaders' efforts to create an educational environment that is intellectually, socio-emotionally, and culturally affirming.

Beyond this single school, Irby identifies the key factors necessary for successful equity reform in education. He argues that lasting transformation relies primarily on cultivating organizational conditions that make structural racism impossible to preserve. Irby emphasizes the importance of schools strengthening and leveraging personal, relational, and organizational capacities to sustain meaningful change.

Stuck Improving provides a comprehensive account of school-improvement practices, including data-driven instructional approaches, teacher cultural competency, and inquiry-based leadership strategies. This timely work not only serves as a valuable resource for equity-minded school leaders seeking practical solutions but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex work of racial equity improvement.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682536575