HOW WOULD IT BE IF MY PRINCIPAL LOOKED LIKE ME? - THE INFLUENCES OF BLACK SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ON POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR BLACK STUDENTS IN URBAN SCHOOLS

With the rising rates of diversity in school classrooms, strategies need to be addressed regarding how to reach each demographics’ academic necessities. There is a rapidly growing rate of Black students within urban public-school systems. It goes without saying that the educational experience should support the development of literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving and personal development skills. Students also need to be equipped with the “non-academic” skills necessary to navigate the real world. To do that, our children and communities need a certain type of educator. There needs to be support to Black students in developing a positive racial identity. Students are bombarded with messages that they are worthless, lack achievement capabilities, and that only the exceptional Black person can perform at the highest levels. Unfortunately, because of this constant attack on the Black psyche, some students have internalized this. School Leadership can change that..