Date
12-4-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Matthew Oswald Ozolnieks
Keywords
Capturing Kids Hearts, COVID, learning loss, Social Emotional Learning, Transformative Learning Theory, Transformative Learning
Disciplines
Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Recommended Citation
Fountain, Hannah Deborah-Johns, "The Discoveries of Key Elements Behind a Central Texas Title 1 Public School District’s Academic and Relational Success Amid Learning Loss in State Trends: A Qualitative Single Case Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7752.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7752
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative single case study is to discover the key elements behind a central Texas Title 1 Public School District’s academic and relational success amid learning loss experienced in other similar Texas public school districts during the COVID pandemic. From the years prior to the pandemic to three years post, Sunflower Independent School District (SISD) has remained steadfast in demonstrating superb state ratings via STAAR and TELPAS assessments. It has also received continuous spotlight district recognition through Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) – a social emotional learning (SEL)/character enriching program. Texas Public Education throughout the years has looked much like a swinging pendulum of changes: administration, teacher turnover, behavior/discipline strategies, and cultural diversity. SISD followed the state trends and struggled until noticeable changes appeared with the adoption of Capturing Kids’ Hearts program in 2018. Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory focuses on change in adult education. However, there is a parallel within the SEL/character enriching program titled, CKH. In this study, SISD’s school district’s success and transformation has been explored. What have the lived experiences of staff and students from SISD revealed about why the district experienced relational and academic success post COVID? Data was collected through secondary Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) report analyses, interviews with participants, and through a collection of artifacts from the district’s showcase campuses. Data revealed the key elements of how SISD excelled academically and relationally amid learning loss experienced in other similar Texas public school districts from 2018 to 2023. The single case study has provided a model for other school districts desiring transformation.
