The Persistence of and Challenges to Whiteness in Parent Engagement : Understanding Ambiguity and Uncertainty in Shaping Teacher Learning within Reform (Journal Article)
Lewis-Durham, Tiffanie | Puorto, Arianna Di | Bettez, Silvia
The Persistence of and Challenges to Whiteness in Parent Engagement : Understanding Ambiguity and Uncertainty in Shaping Teacher Learning within Reform (Journal Article) - Chicago : University of Chicago Press , May 2022 - 151-176p. - American Journal of Education , Volume 128: Number 3, May 2022 .
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Abstract: Purpose: School leaders who articulate a desire to center equity in their schools often neglect to examine how racism persists in their parent and family engagement strategies. This oversight can reify structures that are oppressive and exclusionary to the marginalized families school leaders claim they want to engage. Research Methods/Approach: In this study, we use case study methods to examine the way one social justice–oriented school attempted to challenge and disrupt the persistence of Whiteness and White supremacy in a unique family group. We interview one school leader and parents and conduct extensive observations of group meetings. Findings: We found that Whiteness and White supremacy can be persistent despite leaders’ desires to eradicate these entrenched phenomena. Implications: Our findings show that knowing Whiteness and White supremacy are present is not enough. Rather, school leaders need to actively interrupt these dominant structures to see meaningful change.
0195-6744
School Leaders| Center Equity| Racism| Persistence of whiteness
The Persistence of and Challenges to Whiteness in Parent Engagement : Understanding Ambiguity and Uncertainty in Shaping Teacher Learning within Reform (Journal Article) - Chicago : University of Chicago Press , May 2022 - 151-176p. - American Journal of Education , Volume 128: Number 3, May 2022 .
***______________***
Abstract: Purpose: School leaders who articulate a desire to center equity in their schools often neglect to examine how racism persists in their parent and family engagement strategies. This oversight can reify structures that are oppressive and exclusionary to the marginalized families school leaders claim they want to engage. Research Methods/Approach: In this study, we use case study methods to examine the way one social justice–oriented school attempted to challenge and disrupt the persistence of Whiteness and White supremacy in a unique family group. We interview one school leader and parents and conduct extensive observations of group meetings. Findings: We found that Whiteness and White supremacy can be persistent despite leaders’ desires to eradicate these entrenched phenomena. Implications: Our findings show that knowing Whiteness and White supremacy are present is not enough. Rather, school leaders need to actively interrupt these dominant structures to see meaningful change.
0195-6744
School Leaders| Center Equity| Racism| Persistence of whiteness