Collaboration and School Leadership

• Grant number: 24/21207-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: April 30, 2025
• End date: July 29, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Administration - Public Administration
• Principal Investigator: Lara Elena Ramos Simielli
• Grantee: Lara Elena Ramos Simielli
• Host Investigator: David Godfrey
• Host Institution: Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (EAESP). Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University College London (UCL), England
• Associated research grant: 21/11959-3 - CITIES: Center for Innovation in Urban Public Policies, AP.CCD

Abstract

This project addresses the role of networks and collaboration as central elements for the professional development of school management. The research highlights the importance of collaborative networks, both formal and informal, involving schools, universities, education departments, among others. In countries like Brazil, where formal support is limited and most principals are appointed through political recommendations, support networks can be essential for successful management. Based on this discussion, the project aims to address gaps in both international and national literature. Internationally, the debate needs contributions regarding which management strategies are prioritized by actors within a network and the importance of each actor for educational outcomes. The study of Brazil is relevant because it contributes to the discussion on network leadership in vulnerable contexts. The project also contributes to the national literature, which is still emerging and lacks in-depth analysis of school principals. In this context, the project seeks to answer the following question: when participating in collaborative networks, which management practices are prioritized and which actors are most important for improving school performance and reducing inequalities? This project is part of the research agenda of FGV Cidades, a new center aiming to consolidate its role in education. To this end, a BPE is requested for a duration of three months, based at University College London, aiming to initiate collaboration with the UCL Centre for Educational Leadership, currently the largest and most established center for school leadership in the UK.