Toward a Responsive Model for Educational Leadership in Rural Appalachia: Merging Theory and Practice (Sumario en Espanol)

This conceptual paper draws on varied academic disciplines to set forth a model of educational leadership grounded in social justice and responsive to the unique challenges and strengths of rural Appalachian schools and communities. Model development grew out of discussions between faculty and graduate students in an educational leadership doctoral program, spurring a dialogue that merged theory and practice through (1) critical readings of traditional leadership models and of alternative models that purport to better meet the needs of economically disadvantaged students and families, and (2) a close examination of practice in the professional lives of the authors, each of whom serves or has served as a school administrator in a rural Appalachian setting. Following a discussion of the leadership model, consideration is given to the implications for leadership preparation programs and practices. [The citation information shown on the attached PDF (v5 n2 Oct-Dec 2010) is incorrect, according to the information displayed on the provider site.]