Distributed Leadership for Equity and Learning

  • Philip A. Woods University of Hertfordshire

Abstract

This paper explains the foundations and development of the concept of distrib- uted leadership for equity and learning (DLE), undertaken as part of the work of the European Policy Network on School Leadership. It draws from research and reviews of research into distributed leadership and work on social justice, democratic leadership and a rich conception of democracy (holistic democracy). The importance of the concept of DLE is that, unlike most other approaches to distributed leadership, it integrates values of democracy, holistic learning and social justice into its definition. This has significant practical implications. For example, where DLE is adopted as a guiding definition, it helps to ensure that issues such as inequalities in participation, exclusion, the value of collaborative learning and factors important in creating the conditions for developing democratic citizenship are less likely to be marginalised when initiating or enhancing distributed leadership. The conceptualisation of DLE is offered as a resource and guide where there is a will to make education participative, col- laborative and a more fulfilling and self-affirming experience for all.

Keywords: school leadership; democracy; social justice

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Author Biography

Philip A. Woods, University of Hertfordshire

Professor Woods is an internationally recognised scholar and Chair of the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS). His work focuses principally on questions of democracy, leadership (including student leadership), the changing policy framework and demands on education, alternative education and entrepreneurialism, on which he has published extensively. Philip is part of The European Policy Network on School Leadership (EPNoSL) - a four-year programme funded by the European Union which aims to improve school leadership in Europe through a collaborative network in which members co-create, manage and share knowledge in order to inform policy in the area of school leadership. Email: profphilipwoods@aol.com

Published
2015-06-27
How to Cite
Woods, P. A. (2015). Distributed Leadership for Equity and Learning. Revista Lusófona De Educação, 30(30). Retrieved from https://revistas.ulusofona.pt/index.php/rleducacao/article/view/5135
Issue
Vol. 30 No. 30 (2015): Revista Lusófona de Educação
Section
Research paper

 

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