Capacity, Capital, and Connections: The Development of Social Networks in a Large Urban District

• In Event: Dimensions of Communication: School and District Culture, Climate, and Efficacy

Abstract

In this paper, we document the extent to which social networks among administrators developed in a large urban school district over four years. Using social network analysis, we look at the extent to which networks focused on instructional initiatives spanned different levels of schooling and formal roles, and we explore factors that might have affected that development. Findings highlight the influence of role and grade level as well as the nature of different initiatives in the ways that different networks developed. These findings are significant for districts working to build administrator capacity and develop aligned instructional systems. As interactions increase, administrators share their knowledge and expertise—and district leadership has the potential to develop structures that support this.

Authors

• Rachel Roegman, Purdue University

• Thomas C. Hatch, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Neva Stumberger, Purdue University

• Kathryn Hill, Teachers College, Columbia University