Making Sense of Social Networks in Schools

"In an era of accountability and simplistic management 'quick fixes,' it is refreshing to see a volume dedicated first and foremost to understanding and building human relationships in schools. By developing strong networks, schools can foster open systems committed to distributive leadership and exemplary academic outcomes."

"The important message of this bookthat tasks and people are important, but an understanding of power relationships and cultural bonds are crucial to effective leadershipis a message that must be understood by all who work to improve learning for all students in our schools."

"Provides an intriguing insight into the reality and power of the human relationships that exist in our schools. This work offers alternative strategies for getting things done just as it proposes a new paradigm for thinking about the fundamental organization of the school. Readers will think about how they can lead most effectively with a new and challenging perspective."

"The authors have created a useful, practical, and compelling guide for school and district leaders as they navigate the complexities of school environments. They skillfully guide the reader to manage the school culture in ways to support student achievement and overall school improvement. The authors provide tools, strategies, and resources for site and district administrators to collect and analyze data about one of the most important and often-ignored resources: social capital."

"A unique book in that it makes the invisible but powerful human dynamics among staff members within a school more transparent and user-friendly."

Terrence E. Deal is the Irving R. Melbo Professor at University of Southern Californias Rossier School. He is an internationally known lecturer and author who has written numerous books on leadership and organizations. In addition to those written with Lee Bolman, he is the coauthor of Corporate Cultures (with Alan Kennedy, 1982) and Shaping School Culture (with Kent Peterson, 1999). Ted Purinton is assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at National-Louis University in Chicago. His research interests are in organizational theory, educational policy, and innovation diffusion. He has worked with various organizations in their explorations of their own internal social networks. Daria Cook Waetjen is a veteran teacher, special educator, and administrator. Currently at the Orange County Department of Education in Southern California, her focus is on organizational innovations and school reform.

Acknowledgments About the Authors Foreword by Guilbert Hentschke Preface: What's in a Song? Lyrics to Green Door Introduction: The New Principal Encounters a Locked Door: Through a Smoky Cloud Outside Looking In Overview of the Book 1. A Glimmer of Networks: Saw an Eyeball Peepin' Business Research Predominance of Networks Impact on Schools Misreading Clues The Context of Leadership Managing Networks Finding Direction 2. Network Basics: Green Door, What's That Secret You're Keepin' Nuts and Bolts Network Players Whole Networks The Key to the Green Door 3. Limitations of Task Networks: Door Slammed, Hospitality's Thin There Searching for the Boss Turned Down by the Boss No Access Finding Access Awareness Resources Stephanie Relaxes the Rule Book 4. Friendship Networks: The Happy Crowd Finding Friends Someone Who Understands Me Someone Convenient The Impact of Comfortable Connections Emotional Contagion Informal Induction Jasmine's Cost-Benefit Decision Friendship and Productivity Antipathy and Its Problems The Blessings and Curses of Friendship Networks 5. Power Networks: Wish They'd Let Me In Politics as Usual Power Stars Power as Perception Power Players Baskets and Eggs Working the Power Networks Principals as Politicians 6. Culture Networks: They Laugh a Lot Behind the Green Door Stories and Traditions Ties That Bind The Way Things Are Done Around Here Tribal Leaders, Mavericks, Mavens, Gossips, and Spies The Door Ajar Cultural Players Trust Thy Neighbor The Spirit Moves Her: A Principal Assumes the Dais The Ghost of Garvey A Bonding Moment Reflecting on Garvey's Green Door 7. Scoping and Working the Networks: Midnight, One More Night Without Sleepin' Promises and Caveats of Network Study Beyond Individual Players Learning Communities, Culture, and Communication Making Sense of School Networks Opening a Can of Worms: Big Brother or the Future of Leadership Inside the Green Door Appendix: Research on Networks in Sociology, Business, and Education Network Literature Network and Related Literature in Education Our Endeavors in Social Network Analysis References Index