Comprehensive Platform Networks for School Reform: A Leapfrog Strategy for Struggling State Systems

Abstract

This article presents a review of the development of platform network models that rely on partnership contracts to implement comprehensive school reform. The literature from the previous three decades of development of school networks, emerging largely from the United States of America, is reviewed. The recent development of similar network models in South Africa is then presented for comparison. Through the addition of technology-based platforms, emerging models of platform networks are presented through a review of minimal contractual requirements for partnering school boards. Finally, implications for educational leaders, particularly in struggling, low-income school contexts in South Africa and the United States, are presented as the impetus for considering partnerships with existing platform networks and the development of additional public models.