Understanding and developing boundary spanners in Italian schools. In Symposium–Mapping the boundary spanning behaviors of professionals: Findings from three exploratory studies: Findings from three exploratory studies

The multi-faceted study was conducted in northern Italy in response to a recent educational innovation that required school teachers to interact with area employers in a “school-work alteration” program. The researchers began with qualitative work in an attempt to understand the context and challenges inherent in the new effort. One aspect of this study employed the instrumentation on Boundary Spanners behaviors (Wreets &Sandmann,2010). The instrument was translated and administered to approximately 1000 teachers. Multivariate analyses affirmed the Weerts and Sandman theory with a few refinements. Most importantly, this study employed a variety of empirical data to develop a staff development plan designed to enhance teacher’s boundary spanning abilities.