Tracking Entrepreneurial Leaders in Science Learning Networks: Longitudinal Social Network Analysis of a Partner District

• In Event: 65.079 - Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: 65.079-8 - Supportive Contexts for Teacher Leadership

Abstract

Even though networks are recognized as potent platforms for learning in research outside the context of schools, social network analysis has been applied only recently to education. As part of a multi-year, large-scale Math Science Partnership (MSP), this study analyzes three consecutive years of network data of a small school district, tracking change over time, and what role entrepreneurial teacher leaders played in those changes. Over this period, despite challenges presented by staff turnover, the science teaching and learning network grew as the district engaged in innovative curriculum reform. Teachers who participated in professional development and entrepreneurial leadership training increased their standing in the network year-on-year, and in some metrics, performed better than peers who had not received training.

Authors

• Matthew Schroyer, University of Illinois

• Anita Martin, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Fouad S. Abd-El-Khalick, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Caroline Haythornthwaite, The University of British Columbia