- The literature on educational leadership highlights the role of the principal as an individual whose actions can exert a strong influence on student outcomes.
- African American male principals are keenly aware of systemic perceptions and myths regarding their own practices and motivation that influence urban educational environments.
- Findings related to the practices of African American male urban school leaders emphasized strength, paternalism, and consistency/fairness as important contributors to the success of the urban educational environment.
- Data from the participants reflected leadership orientations that call for broader, more holistic approaches.
- This study’s implications highlight three areas of consideration: (a) social and systemic issues appear to severely distract African American male urban school leaders from their educational focus; (b) attention needs to be given to the critical dual role of African American male principals, who must both manage schools and serve as role models for African American youth; and (c) focus needs to be directed toward developing and then hiring more African American male principals.
Published by
- Journal of African American Males in Education