A profoundly important book that focuses on equity issues prevalent in our schools today. In this era of standards-based accountability, this collection of essays provides a greatly needed critical review of the challenges educators face in creating equitable schools for all students. As a university professor involved in leadership preparation, I am grateful for this collection and look forward to incorporating this work into my classroom teaching. -- Lisa Ann McClard Bertrand, associate professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Southeast Missouri State University There have been strong criticisms of educational scholars writing about social justice issues alleging a disconnection from the real world of educational leadership. This work bridges the two worlds of scholarly research and administrators practicing leadership in our schools in a way that is important to the future of both worlds. This could be the most important work this century for school leaders and their preparation. -- A. William Place Ph.D, director of doctoral studies, School of Education and Allied Professions, and associate professor, Department of Educational Leadership, The University of Dayton School leaders throughout the nation continue to struggle with issues of equity in education. Charles Darwin alluded to this concern when he wrote: 'If the misery of our poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our own institutions, great is our sin.' In a civil society, the requirement of equity is a priority among all caring and competent leaders. In Equity Issues for Today's Educational Leaders, experts address equality in our schools and examine the roled of our educational institutions. School leaders have a moral purpose of developing students for success, and this book will provide the information and reflection for improvement. -- Wesley D. Hickey, EdD, chair department of educational leadership and policy studies, The University of Texas at Tyler As the title of this book suggests, educational leaders across our country are faced with creating, in our schools, the conditions that promote equity for all stakeholders. This book provides specific discussion and advice on how to organize and lead our schools with 'equity for all' as an important outcome. Through research and dialogue, readers are forced to contemplate their own practices and how their actions impact the learners in their organization. -- Robin Rayfield, superintendent, Pike-Delta-York Local, Delta, Ohio An enchanting analysis of why we have education. Equity is the cornerstone of democracy. In an era where educators are being choked down by accountability systems that are horrible for children, it is stimulating to read a book that will truly make a difference in advancing our democratic culture. I have been waiting for something like this to use as tool for improving equity within my school system. -- John B. Booth, superintendent, Levelland Independent School District, Texas Patrick M. Jenlink's new edited collection, Equity Issues for Today's Educational Leaders, provides a broad discussion and understanding of the continued inequity in schools that are to leave no children behind. A plus for this book is not only the historical and theoretical information it provides, but the examples of instructional practice that educators may use to not only work toward equitable education, but also to keep social justice foremost in their minds as leaders and teachers. -- Kathleen S. Sernak, associate professor, Department of Educational Leadership, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ A timely and thought-provoking text for present and future educational leaders. . . . In an educational climate driven by shallow conceptions of accountability and assessment that marginalize and punish, the insightful writings from informed voices are critical to the well-being of scholar practitioners in the field. The synergy of multiple voices committed to social justice and equity provide impetus for educators to remain centered and focused on constructing ethical leadership practices. -- Debra Mahfouz Jordan, principal, Vidor Independent School District, Texas
