What are the distinguishing features of a networked improvement community (NIC), and how can network leaders strategically manage network development? In this session we introduce a framework for conceptualizing network health and development, and explore what we are learning when we track dimensions of network development in large sample of networks for school improvement currently operating in the educational field. Tracking development, enables us to identify common challenges leaders face as they organize and operate improvement networks, such as facilitating productive internal and cross-team connections and consolidating and sharing network learning. We highlight a set of strategies networks are using to overcome these challenges as they continuously improve network operations in service of achieving network aims.

Presenters

Jennifer Lin Russell, Professor and Chair, Educational Foundations, Organizations and Policy, University of Pittsburgh; Senior Fellow, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Jennifer Sherer, Research Associate, Partners for Network Improvement
David Sherer, Senior Associate, Evidence and Analytics, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Angel Li, Associate, Evidence and Analytics, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching