Where the Growth Happens: A Qualitative Case Study of Preparation for Equity Work in One Principal Preparation Program

As public schools in the United States grow increasingly diverse, the need for equity-focused school leadership has become more pressing. This study examines the design and implementation of one equity-focused principal preparation program. Using a qualitative single case study design, we explore the program’s preparation of graduates who lead with an equity focus in high-need schools. Analyses indicate positive impacts of the program’s unique cohort experience and multidimensional curriculum. We also identify areas for growth, including students’ desire for more instructional modeling of equity-focused practice and a consistent commitment to equity. We discuss implications for leadership preparation programs and policy.