Pre-service principals' understanding of equity and inclusion

Abstract

The qualitative study explores how the University of Minnesota (UMN) administrative licensure principal candidates develop and understand equity framework principles through required course documents. I conducted a qualitative analysis of candidate documents completed by graduates of the principal preparation program. The UMN administrative licensure program will offer a space to deeply explore and code evidence for two equity frameworks. The first equity framework is the Principal Preparation Answerability Rubric (PPAR). The PPAR is a co-created, critical evaluation rubric that centers the needs, wants, and criticisms of principals from Black, Brown, and Indigenous (BBI) students and teachers. The second equity framework is the state-required Minnesota Rule 3512.0510 Competency C: Equity and Culturally Responsive Leadership. This required competency and list of sub-competencies must be demonstrated and approved for candidates to receive principal licensure by the state of Minnesota. This collaborative study uses grounded and state-level standards for equity and offers principal preparation program staff a chance to investigate their equity efforts within the program and understand areas of improvement.