Learn how California's leaders of color are making a huge impact for ALL students
California is among the most racially diverse states in the US, yet educational leadership positions at K-12 public schools tend to be disproportionately white. In California, 60% of all public-school students are of color, while only 20% of administrators are of color.* Not only are racially and ethnically diverse leaders important in showing children of color what is possible, but numerous national research studies have shown the impact that teachers and leaders of color have on increasing academic achievement and decreasing disciplinary actions for all students.
The California Charter Schools Association analyzed the relationship between having a leader of color and school-level outcomes in California’s public schools during the 2017-2018 academic year. This report found that, on average:
Students at schools with a leader of color scored significantly higher on state tests, especially at high schools.
Twelfth grade students at schools with a leader of color graduate significantly more prepared for college and career.
Students, especially African American students and high school students, with a leader of color were significantly less likely to be suspended.
* "Color" here refers to both students and leaders with African-American or Latinx backgrounds
Diversity in Leadership Institute
The data shows significant increases in for both African American and Latinx students in A-G completion rates, college and career readiness and test scores, and decreases in suspensions when the school leader was a person of color. Notably, not only did minority students benefit, but all students in these schools, regardless of race or ethnicity, saw improvements in these areas.
If you're interested in topics of diversity in education leadership, please visit the Diversity in Leadership Institute: dedicated to increasing racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence among charter school and district administrators as a lever to increase academic and social outcomes for TK-12 students in California.