Building Robust Networks: A Key to School Improvement

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Leveraging Partnerships for Student Success (Table 3)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the network effect of school principals as it relates to school improvement. Network practices of school principals are compared to an innovative practice for improving networking skills. Through descriptive statistics and chi-square goodness of fit we examine the network patterns of 124 school principals. Findings indicate there is a statistically significant difference between school principals’ networking practices in comparison to ideal networking practices for school improvement. There are also differences between whom school principals seek out for ideas and who they seek out for feedback concerning their school improvements. Further discussion informs how the next generation of school principals can be equipped with innovation skills for tackling 21st century school improvement issues.

Authors

• Miguel M. Gonzales, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
  Presenting Author

• Tiberio Garza, Florida International University
  Presenting Author

• Elizabeth Leon Zaragoza, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
  Presenting Author