The Reciprocal Relationships in Interschool Networks: A Qualitative Study

• In Event: Intentional and Reciprocal Partnerships: Building Networks Between Schools and Communities

Abstract

Researchers have become increasingly aware of the importance of interschool networks in education, but empirical studies have rarely been conducted to explore the characteristics of schools with reciprocal relationships in the network. The researchers used explanatory case study method to investigate (a) who played the key role in building reciprocal relationships between schools? (b) What is the foundation of reciprocal relationships? and (c) What are the challenges and benefits of maintaining reciprocal relationships? This study found (a) facilitators, principals and teacher leaders played the key role in facilitating the relationships; (b) personal relationships and prior relationships could facilitating the interschool reciprocal relationship; and (c) the pandemic and time shortage were the main challenges for maintaining the relationships.

Authors

• Yunzheng Zheng, Western Michigan University

• Jianping Shen, Western Michigan University

• Patricia L. Reeves, Western Michigan University