The Impact Of Institutional Support Networks: A Case Study Of A Small Texas Public School District

Abstract

This thesis project focuses on a small independent school district in Texas that serves a high-poverty population yet excels at graduating economically disadvantaged students. Using the concepts of cultural and social capital as a theoretical framework, the paper discusses ways that schools can build institutional support networks that can help students succeed. The study focuses on efforts within the high school, using personal interviews to discover the foundations and methods of the school's supports. Findings include the importance of building trust among staff members and staff members working as a team, therefore building internal social capital that students can then access within the school. The district and school set high expectations for students and provide a broad spectrum of supports to help students reach those goals. Also, leadership and staff alike view building relationships and working with students individually as key elements of the students' and the school's success and actively support such efforts by faculty and staff.