Latinx Student Success: Rural Schools and Social Networks

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the strategies that principals of high-performing rural schools use to increase the academic achievement of Latinx students. Therefore, rural school leaders are challenged to implement effective strategies including utilizing social networks. Research Method: In this qualitative, multiple case study, interviews were conducted with five rural secondary school principals in Texas. Findings: The findings in this study indicated that rural principals contributed their student success to (a) support/resources, (b) communication, (c) relationships, (d) involvement, (e) collaboration/partnerships, and (f) rural setting characteristics. Conclusion: Findings suggest that principals value and nurture relationships between community organizations, their students’ families, and their faculty. Developing these strong relations was ‘the basis for their student success.