In a context of increased politicization led by state and federal policymakers, corporate reformers, and for-profit educational organizations, The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality explores a new vision for leading schools grounded in culturally relevant advocacy and social justice theories.

This timely volume tackles the origins and implications of growing accountability for educational leaders and reconsiders the role that educational leaders should and can play in education policy and political processes. This book provides a critical perspective and analysis of today’s education policy landscape and leadership practice; explores the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching in and leading schools; and examines the structural, political, and cultural interactions among school principals, district leaders, state and federal policy actors, and increasingly powerful non-state actors. This fully revised second edition includes questions for discussion at the end of each chapter, as well as expanded discussion on critical race theory, the effects on educational systems following the global pandemic, the holistic needs of children including physical, mental, economic, nutritional, and emotional; the impact of technology and AI; book banning and the assault on school curricula in some states: as well as teacher strikes and the politics of school boards.

An important resource for practicing and aspiring leaders, The Politics of Education Policy in an Era of Inequality shares a theoretical framework and strategies for building bridges between education researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Sonya Douglass is Professor of Education Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.

Janelle T. Scott is Professor and Robert J. and Mary Catherine Birgeneau Distinguished Chair in Educational Disparities, at the University of California at Berkeley, USA.

Gary L. Anderson is Emeritus Professor of Educational Leadership at New York University, USA.