Making Sense of Social Networks in Schools

Discover how social networks can foster learning communities and promote school improvement! Social networks reflect the usually invisible relationships that control the power and flow of information within a school. This resource for school leaders examines types of networks-related to tasks, friendships, power, and culture - and provides tools for maximizing networks’ positive schoolwide influence. You will find: samples of social network maps that illustrate the relationships among players in various types of networks; steps for developing your own social network maps using interviews, surveys, and data analysis; and, strategies and practical advice for managing social networks in support of school goals.