Online

Dolezal, Lori

Education

2021

Ed. D.

Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) are emerging, yet few empirical studies have examined implementation factors, efficacy, and outcomes. Fewer have examined structures, dispositions, and behaviors of NIC hub leadership, especially hubs led by State Education Agencies (SEAs). This unique, qualitative case study explores adaptive leadership and emerging improvement leadership models in the context of a NIC hub operated exclusively by an SEA. Through semi-structured interviews and document reviews, this study investigates how SEA hub leaders establish conditions to build educator capacity for continuous improvement within a NIC model, focusing specifically on leadership structures, behaviors, and mental models. Provisional findings demonstrate alignment with existing adaptive leadership theory and emerging models of improvement leadership. Additionally, the results expand upon existing literature by offering unique leadership challenges, adaptations, and considerations for SEA leaders initiating a NIC model. To further affirm and extend understanding of NIC hub leadership, suggestions for future implementation and outcome research is recommended, especially related to NIC hub leadership in similar contexts and configurations.