Graduation Semester and Year

2013

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Urban Affairs

Department

Urban and Public Affairs

First Advisor

Maria Martinez-Cosio

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.

Disciplines

Public Affairs | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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