"Deeper Than a Lesson": New Jersey School Superintendents' Approaches to Culturally Relevant Education.

This study examines the knowledge, beliefs, and leadership practices of equity-focused superintendents and assistant superintendents in New Jersey regarding culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) and culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL). Interviews with 23 district leaders revealed that while participants often demonstrated incomplete understanding of key CRP and CRSL tenets—particularly critical consciousness and critical self-reflection—their leadership practices frequently aligned with principles such as promoting academic success, fostering inclusive environments, and engaging families and communities. The findings highlight gaps in leadership preparation programs, emphasizing the need for deeper training on the sociopolitical dimensions of culturally relevant education and the development of leaders’ capacity to support and sustain equity-focused practices at the district level.