School Ties, Green Rise: How Network Centrality Predicts Implementation of Sustainability Education in Public Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Environmental and Sustainability Education in Schools: Leadership and Partnership (Table 6)

Abstract

Scholars have documented the role of the non-formal sector in promoting environmental education in k-12 schools. However, little attention has been given to the unintended consequences of these relationships. In this study, we examine the network effect of community-based organizations (CBOs) on the implementation of sustainability education in New York City public schools. Using administrative data collected from Sustainability Coordinators in ~1,300 public schools, we find that partnerships between schools and CBOs constitute an organizational network that connect schools indirectly through shared CBOs. Schools with more connections to other schools are more likely to implement activities across different domains. We discuss implications to theory, policy, and practice.

Authors

• Noa Urbach, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Oren Pizmony-Levy, Teachers College, Columbia University