Introduction

This chapter describes the purpose of the study: to deepen the field’s knowledge of equity-oriented leadership while strengthening the capacity of district leaders to advance racial equity in school systems. It summarizes what is known about persistent patterns of racial inequity in U.S. public schools and describes the role of district leaders in disrupting educational inequities. Finally, this chapter provides a volume roadmap that overviews each of the four district case studies of Edgecombe County Public Schools in North Carolina, Hoke County Schools in North Carolina, Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky, Pflugerville Independent School District in Texas, and the concluding lessons that can help current and prospective leaders ask and answer the critical question, “what will it take to disrupt the patterns in my system that continue to fail students of color year after year?”