LATINA ADMINISTRATORS IN US PUBLIC SCHOOL SETTINGS: CAN THEIR INFLUENCE BE THE KEY TO FORGING POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR THE GROWING LATINO STUDENT SCHOOL POPULATION?

The objectives of this investigation were to: capture the unique challenges, successes, failures, and decisions Latinas have experienced in being an administrator in US public schools and how their roles might affected the educational trajectory of Latino students in US public schools. Because the culture of public school administration tends to be highly saturated by males, how do Latinas navigate their roles? It is hoped that the results of this study will be used in a variety of ways, especially in aiding aspiring Latina administrators and current school administrators to learn from the experiences of the participants of the study, in light of the rapid growth rates of Hispanic students in public school districts in the U.S.

This quasi-qualitative research examined the leadership experiences of Latina (female) school leaders such as district curriculum coordinators, directors, principals, and even school administrators. Specifically, the focus was an in-depth analysis of their experiences and challenges of being a leader in the public schools when so much change is occurring in terms of immigration issues, rising numbers of English language learners, effective parental involvement, cultural understanding of being able to interact effectively with parents from diverse backgrounds, differentiated curriculum development and implementation, appropriate assessments, and being a school leader during these immense times of transformation. This research highlighted the experiences Latina female administrators have gone through while in a leadership role. Much is known about the art of administration; however, educational administration is changing because “new” administrators from Hispanic roots are now taking on more leadership roles in urban school districts, as well as suburban and rural ones. This research also highlighted the challenges and successes female Latina leaders go through while in leadership roles.

This research attempted to add to the current literature on how best to meet the needs of our diverse schools, especially with high numbers of English Language Learners (ELLS). This research had much relevance for current and future leaders, including administrators and teachers.The findings of this study suggest the need for review and potential revisions to the training of future school administrators, especially school systems with large Latino populations. Major considerations appear to be the impact of cultural educational understandings in being able to communicate effectively with parents both culturally and linguistically.