Weaving a web of professional practice: the coalition of knowledge building schools

Introduction In this chapter we outline the formation, processes and purposes of a dynamic hybrid network of schools working to create usable professional knowledge in a context of change. The Coalition of Knowledge-Building Schools, based in New South Wales, Australia, was formed in 2000 and over the past ten years has grown steadily and developed procedures for working collegially. Here, we trace the different phases of the Coalition’s expansion and identify a number of turning points in the evolution of the network. We explore processes used for the invention and re-invention of professional knowledge within the community of practice, across varying social, geographic and educational contexts.