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2017

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Distributed leadership

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Using Social Network Analysis To Investigate The Diffusion Of Special Education Knowledge Within A School District, Martha H. Von Mering Jul 2017

Using Social Network Analysis To Investigate The Diffusion Of Special Education Knowledge Within A School District, Martha H. Von Mering

Doctoral Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships that existed between the district-level special education leadership team and two elementary schools. The study used social network analysis (SNA) as the primary methodological and analytic approach to reveal the structural dimensions of the advice giving/receiving networks within the schools to delve more deeply into network relationships, collaboration, and knowledge impact. By mapping the existing network relationships through the lens of network centralization, reciprocity, and density, the study sought to analyze what, if any, link existed between the network properties and the extent to which leadership was distributed. The …


Demystifying Distributed Leadership: How Understanding Principles Of Practice And Perceptions Regarding Ambiguity Can Enhance The Leadership Capacity Of Department Chairs, Diana Bonneville Jul 2017

Demystifying Distributed Leadership: How Understanding Principles Of Practice And Perceptions Regarding Ambiguity Can Enhance The Leadership Capacity Of Department Chairs, Diana Bonneville

Doctoral Dissertations

Due to increased accountability, demands, and responsibilities, principals struggle to effectively lead schools. Therefore, they look to strengthen the structure and operations of schools by utilizing distributed leadership and the role of department chairs to build leadership capacity and improve school culture (Elmore, 2000; Harris, 2005; Spillane, 2008). A critical aspect of distributed leadership is a school’s organizational culture or “the way we do things around here” (Bryk & Schneider, 2003), which can positively or negatively influence any school initiative. Since organizational culture can foster collaboration and a shared commitment to school goals, which in turn can build leadership capacity, …