Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigated how character develops among middle school students at an international school recognized as a "National School of Character." Despite significant investment in character education (CE), a lack of formal evaluation exists, particularly regarding the process of development during the critical middle school years, a period of intense neurological and social change. Grounded in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this study aimed to (1) understand how character develops, (2) compare development before and after program enhancements, and (3) assess the program's impact on discipline. Phase 1 collected Character Growth Index (CGI) survey data from students (N=261 in 2023; N=148 in 2018) and school discipline data (N=365 vs. N=368). Phase 2 used semi-structured interviews with 18 students and 9 staff to explain the quantitative results. Qualitative analysis for RQ1 revealed that character is "actively constructed" through four primary themes: Models (family, peers, media), Curriculum (academic infusion, service-learning), Agency (choice, sports, unstructured time), and Consequences (personal and vicarious). For RQ2, quantitative CGI data showed no significant difference in perceived character growth between the 2018 and 2023 cohorts. However, qualitative data introduced a fifth theme, Expectations, with staff reporting the program's key enhancement was not new content but the implementation of a clear, "common language" and consistent expectations. For RQ3, a statistically significant decrease (chi2 (1) = 13.667, p < 0.001) in serious discipline referrals was found, dropping from 27.4% in 2018/19 to 16.2% in 2022/23. The findings validate SCT’s model of triadic reciprocal determinism, demonstrating that character development is a dynamic interplay of environmental, personal, and behavioral factors. This research provides a practical framework for educators, highlighting that character is cultivated not just through lessons, but through an intentional culture of modeling, agency, and clearly articulated shared values.

Date

5-18-2026

Committee Chair

Tobin, Kerri

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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