Culturally Responsive Leadership: Building Pipelines of Success for Underrepresented Students at Underserved Schools

This conceptual literature review explores the structural, cultural, and pedagogical interventions and initiatives that school leaders can employ to create sustained academic success for students of color in high-need schools. Using the theoretical frameworks of Social Justice and Culturally Responsive Leadership, this conceptual exploration proposes best practices that build a school that is culturally responsive. Culturally responsive school leaders can build this culture through attracting and retaining diverse talent, implementing culturally responsive curricula, addressing exclusionary discipline disproportionality, conducting equity audits, and building a campus milieu that focuses on relationship building and mentorship. Lastly, drawing on a critical review of the literature and personal leadership experiences in K-12 and higher education, this conceptual literature exploration will highlight initiatives that school leaders can implement to support student success in underserved schools.