CPSELs Through the Lens of Critical Race Theory

The California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs) were rewritten in 2014 replacing the original ones from 2004. Much has changed in the nine years since then, changes that should be reflected in professional educational standards One way to impact school leadership on the institutional level is by addressing the CPSELs that frame state leadership credentialing programs at universities across the state.

In this paper, Dr. Roberta Benjamin-Edwards offers a new lens to the discussion of the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders that can incorporate contextual changes and address the intersectionality of critical race theory, micro aggressions, and the leadership standards.

Dr. Benjamin-Edwards is currently Assistant Professor of Graduate Education at California State Dominguez Hills and a coach of principals and leaders for CSLA program at Los Angeles County Office of Education.