Black School White School: Racism and Educational (Mis) Leadership

"Brooks’ candid and accessible book offers a useful contribution to scholarship interrogating racial dynamics in educational processes by mobilizing a strong theoretical and empirical base focused on leadership while minimizing scholarly terminology to engage a wide audience of readers and practitioners." ―Educational Studies

How do race and race relations influence leadership practice and the education of students? In this timely and provocative book, the author identifies cultural and unstated norms and beliefs around race and race relations, and explores how these dynamics influence the kind of education students receive.

Drawing on findings from extensive observations, interviews, and documents, the author reveals that many decisions that should have been based on pedagogy (or what is best for students) were instead inspired by conscious and unconscious racist assumptions, discrimination, and stereotypes. With applicable implications and lessons for all, this book will help schools and leadership programs to take the next step in addressing longstanding and deeply entrenched inequity and inequality in schools.

Book Features:

• An in-depth portrait of a high school serving predominantly African American students that reveals how racism influences educational leadership.
• Research-based strategies to help principals and teachers recognize and then address the “invisible” racism in their practices.
• A conversation with educational scholar Bill Ayers about key themes of racism in education and society.

Jeffrey S. Brooks is associate professor and program coordinator of Educational Administration at Iowa State University, and editor of the Journal of School Leadership.