School Effectiveness in U.S. Amid Crisis: Moral Capacity Building for Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

In 1848, Horace Mann remarked, “Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance wheel of the social machinery” (para. 10). Yet, school reform, especially in large urban districts like New York and Los Angeles, seeking to equalize the human conditions of people is a grave challenge dependent upon leaders’ moral capacity. Providing all children with equitable educational opportunities is more than a challenge. It requires the commitment of politicians, parents, educators, and administrators alike (Alexander, 2018; Allen & White-Smith, 2018; Delale-O’Connor et al., 2019; Desimone et al., 2002; Dutro et al., 2002). However, research has demonstrated that teachers are in the best position to directly impact student achievement because they understand the difficulties that children face daily and can use professional knowledge to shape the curriculum to meet their needs (White-Smith, 2012a, b; Stigler & Hiebert, 1999).