In this quasi-experimental study, we examined STEMscopes program impacts on science achievement in Longhorn ISD. The report specifically analyzed STEMscopes impacts on STAAR and MAP Growth scores. The present study used a school-level quasi-experimental design, where 8 STEMscopes schools were selected for inclusion and 8 comparison schools (using…

School principals are responsible for balancing the logistical demands of running a school while simultaneously supervising instruction. Additionally, in the Texas school system, they must contend with rising academic standards for students and an increasingly complex accountability system that focuses on traditionally underserved student…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore assistant principals' leadership readiness levels and the relationship between a district-provided administrator development program (ADP) and those levels. The study took place in Lovely Independent School District, which is in southeast Texas. Research questions focused on perceptions of…

School district boundaries define more than just the area where a certain group of children attends a given set of schools. They also determine the taxing jurisdiction that supports those schools with local property taxes. Big differences in property value can lead to large funding gaps, even between neighboring districts. These disparities in…

A significant problem in Texas education is that many school districts need adequate educational facilities. The age and condition of the educational facilities affect student achievement. Bond referenda are generally the sole source for facility financing, thus making the passage of school bonds critical. The purpose of this study was to examine…

A problem facing current school counselors is the lack of a licensed professional counselor (LPC) to be readily available for students who need intervention. In order to justify the LPC, counselors must agree to the need of a LPC. Adolescent psychological issues are a concern for school counselors because they are not adequately trained to deal…

Background: Federal law requires most school districts to develop school wellness policies (SWPs), which state agencies assist in by providing templates. Templates provide standard language, which districts may edit for numerous reasons. We aimed to identify the frequency/consistency of template usage and identify the types of edits districts make…

In April 2024, the School Finance Indicators Database released new estimates of school district funding gaps, which refer to the difference between how much per-pupil funding each district "receives" and how much per-pupil funding each district "needs." Linking these estimates to Texas Education Agency (TEA) student achievement…

Transparency is a fundamental trait that teachers must exhibit in their district and on their campus in order to understand the mission and goals of the district and campus. Educators need proper training and guidance from district and campus leaders to establish a collective efficacy for the benefit of student success. As school districts find…

The purpose of this case study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of the implementation process of a career technical education program and business partnerships. Data collected included nine participants' experiences during the implementation process and current experiences with two local business partnerships. This in-depth study…

Research has shown that nationally, there is a difference in school discipline rates for minority students compared to White students (Anyone et.al, 2021; Wiley, 2021). Black and Brown students have higher rates of exclusionary school discipline, like in-school and out of school suspension, and receive more strict consequences for the same…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists among small and large Texas public school district superintendents regarding which personal characteristics and professional skills are perceived to define effective superintendents. Superintendent personal characteristics and professional skills were assessed using a…

This study focused on factors that suburban principals could perform to increase teacher retention. A suburban school district in the southwest area of Texas was selected to participate in this research. Principals were chosen and interviewed. Teachers from the selected school district were chosen to participate in a focus group. This qualitative…

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to investigate the extent to which being labeled as an economically disadvantaged student contributed to the number of exclusionary discipline referrals in secondary schools belonging to three neighboring school districts in South Texas. The framework was based upon the Diamond et al.…

The purpose of this research was to determine what a school district in Texas does to have consistent bond approval passages. The qualitative research consisted of three interviews that included six questions to district senior staff participants who closely work on school bonds. Research showed that the district relies on guided and established…