The persistent challenge of achieving excellence and equity within education systems has renewed interest in generating context-specific solutions through localised school networks. But how can successful school networks be developed?
Based around the lifecycle of a network, this book traces the development of a network from its initial inception, exploring the ways in which it can be sustained and remain capable of meeting the future challenges faced by schools and their communities. The book explores a series of important issues facing school leaders, including:
- the benefits of investing time and energy in networks with other schools and communities
- the particular problems faced by schools and the education system which are best tackled by network-based solutions
- the advantages for schools and communities of engaging with collaborative reform agenda
- the ways in which networks can be managed, and the differences between leading a school or a team and a network
- the elements which make an effective network.
The book draws on UK and international research to discuss the development and leadership of networks and to outline a number of tried-and-tested leadership approaches. In addition, the authors draw on their own experience and research to provide accounts of real networks to expose the realities of networking. Each chapter tackles a key leadership issue and ends with a series of tools to support those leading and facilitating networks tackle these in practice.
This book will be of interest to practising school leaders, network co-ordinators, postgraduate students and those researching educational leadership and school improvement.
Biography
Mark Hadfield, Christopher Chapman
"Networking is emerging as a major theme in policy and in practice there is much greater local cluster activity, much of it stimulated by the National College for School Leadership. It is very clear that schools are a) not good at it and b) there is a quite specific need for support, guidance and professional development in this area."
Professor John MacBeath, Chair of Educational Leadership, University of Cambridge, UK
"This book proposal makes a clear case for the topic in terms of policy and practice within educational systems nationally and internationally. The book as outlined clearly meets different needs of professionals i.e. the need for a theoretical framework, practical activities and accounts of practice. It will would useful to a range of professionals especially those in leadership positions. I would recommend its publication."
Colleen McLaughlin, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK
