Collaborating to Support Equity-Centered Leadership: A Two-Year Social Network Analysis of Eight Districts

• In Event: Leadership Strategies and Instructional Practices That Enhance Equity and Cultural Responsiveness

Abstract

Collaborative networks are key to strengthening the impact and sustainability of school and district improvement efforts. In this study, we examine the evolution of collaborative networks in eight urban school districts over a two-year period. The networks were formed as part of a Wallace Foundation-funded initiative promoting leadership for equity in schools. The networks consist of districts and their university, state, community, and other partners. Using social network data and analysis, we find a progressive increase in collaborative relationships among partners over time. Despite this growth, relationships predominantly remain sparse and fragmented, with variations in degrees by area of activity, like leader preparation versus supervision. We observe uneven relationship growth across different policy work areas, anticipating further changes to come.

Authors

• Yi-Hwa Liou, National Taipei University of Education

• Christopher Saldaña, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Matthew A. Clifford, WestEd

• Aziz Awaludin, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Xinyu Guan, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Yeonsoo Choi, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Daniella Molle, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Joshua Childs, University of Texas at Austin

• Richard R. Halverson, University of Wisconsin - Madison