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Dilemmas in district–university partnerships: examining network improvement communities as levers for systems change

Christine M. Neumerski (College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA)
Maxwell M. Yurkofsky (Radford University, Radford, Virginia, USA)

Journal of Educational Administration

ISSN: 0957-8234

Article publication date: 18 June 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine dilemmas in a district–university partnership that used network improvement communities (NIC) as a levers for systems change after COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on observations and in-depth, semi-structured interviews to understand the benefits and limitations of using network improvement communities embedded within a longstanding district–university partnership to address problems of practice.

Findings

Five dilemmas that emerged: (1) the need to continue the pilot roll-out of the NIC while still communicating a vision of the long-term, large-scale vision of NIC work, (2) center collaborative inquiry while still moving at a fast enough pace for participants to see progress, (3) include those most involved in the work while still having efficient decision making processes, (4) respect the knowledge and agency of participants while still supporting rigorous and impactful change and (5) honor the work the district is already engaged in while still extending beyond existing initiatives.

Originality/value

We conclude that the work of leading network improvement communities as part of a district–university partnership is complex. We add to the emerging research on NIC hub leadership by highlighting the dilemmas that must be managed in this work.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Both authors contributed equally to the design, conceptualization, data collection, analysis and writing of this study. The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge both the district and university partners for their time, consideration and openness with the researchers. This research was supported through district ESSER funding.

Citation

Neumerski, C.M. and Yurkofsky, M.M. (2024), "Dilemmas in district–university partnerships: examining network improvement communities as levers for systems change", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-10-2023-0261

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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