A Study of Networked Improvement Communities
Item
Title
A Study of Networked Improvement Communities
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this research was to develop a model for the successful establishment and implementation of a networked improvement community (NIC) that school districts can use to ensure the implementation of research-based best practices for significant and ongoing improvement. This was a mixed methods study that used survey design with descriptive statistical analysis for quantitative research and interviews for qualitative research. The researcher used convenience sampling to select participants from 10 schools with approved participation and two additional schools with provisional approval. Survey participants were mathematics teachers in the participating schools. The study adopted a grounded theory design to analyze the qualitative findings and develop a theory to explain the phenomenon of the successful initiation and implementation of a NIC. The researcher purposefully selected the interviewees, who are leaders of successful NICs at four different levels: state, county, regional, and national levels. The interview responses provided insights into the effective initiation and implementation of a NIC. The study used a Pearson correlation coefficient r to determine if there was a statistically significant correlation between the level of engagement in the school improvement process and their readiness level to initiate and implement a NIC. The researcher found a significant positive correlation of r(45) = .74, p < .001: a school’s level of engagement in educational reform was a good predictor of its readiness to initiate and implement a NIC. The themes that emerged from the qualitative phase shed light on the challenges that initiators of NICs are likely to face and some strategies to address them. Fostering the culture, norms, and identity consistent with the aims of a NIC played a paramount role in the successful initiation and implementation of a NIC.
Author/creator
Date
Institution
Samford University
Committee
Connell, Peggy H.
Hodge, Pat H.
Murphy, Kathy L.
Resource status/form
Thesis/Dissertation
Scholarship genre
Empirical
IRE Approach/Concept
Open access/full-text available
No
Peer reviewed
No
ISBN
9798557054768
Citation
Al-Khatib Eloubeidi, R. M. (2018). A Study of Networked Improvement Communities [Ed.D., Samford University]. https://www.proquest.com/dissertations/docview/2478601748/abstract/2085CCFDCBD341CDPQ/9
Num pages
186
Rights
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
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