Race in educational leadership preparation programs: mixed-race identity development in post-secondary students

Abstract

ABSTRACTDespite increases in mixed-race students, post-secondary institutions have remained largely unresponsive in addressing key issues this growing demographic currently faces. Additionally, educational leadership preparation programs are failing to educate their graduates, future educational leaders, in manners that are racially and ethnically inclusive. This study investigates how mixed-race students develop their racial identity as they interact with the campus environment. Participants were mixed-race undergraduate/graduate students enrolled at one post-secondary institution. Scales from the Self-Identity Inventory (SII) were analyzed along with one focus group. Findings showed a significant difference exists on how university students scored on one scale of the SII and four themes emerged from the qualitative portion of the study as they relate to educational leadership.