How School Networks Work And Why That’s Important

February 14, 2017
Getting Smart

by Tom Vander Ark

School networks are one of the most important innovations in the modern era of U.S. K-12 education. They have boosted achievement and graduation rates and expanded quality options in communities that most need them.

The chart below compares six types of networks ranging from voluntary associations around design principles (loose design and loose control) to managed networks (tight design and tight control). The first bullet is the key characteristic, the second includes network examples and the third is an example of a funder or advocate supporting the strategy. Read more