The Promises and Pitfalls of District Leader Involvement in K–12 Continuous Improvement

• In Event: How Helpful Is the Help From the Top of the Educational Hierarchy? Contrasting Cases

Abstract

Over the last two decades, scholars have outlined various community-based models to support K-12 continuous improvement. However, less attention has been paid to how district-level leaders support or hinder these continuous improvement communities. Using social network analysis, semi-structured interviews (N = 72), and meeting observations (N = 92) with several case districts, we outline how district leaders have either become brokers or barriers to these respective communities and their continuous improvement efforts.

Authors

• Craig De Voto, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Kathleen Pitvorec, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Shelby A. Cosner, University of Georgia