Strand and Statehood Predictors of Senior High School Graduates: A Tracer Study

Philippines has now graduated a couple of Senior High School (SHS) batches since its major education reform but not much was studied yet regarding its graduates. In view of tracing and learning of their status relative to the curriculum’s exits, this study is conceptualized. It aimed at profiling Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) SHS graduates and determining which of these profiles explain statehood and SHS strand. Alignment of respondents’ SHS strands to their college courses and the absorption rate of the college were also determined. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 2018 and 2019 ASCOT SHS graduates. Responses received were screened, grouped according to strand then randomly sampled. A total of 523 responses remained for analysis. This corresponds to 2.87% margin for error which is within the traditional 5%. Results showed that majority of the graduates are within the ages 19-21, a huge majority of the respondents belong to the lower income categories and that the number of male graduates is at par with females. Out of all the respondents enrolled in college, only one-half have courses aligned to their SHS strands while ASCOT has an absorption rate 75.42%. Relative to their statehood, 90.82% pursued college education, 4.02% are employed, 1.15% are entrepreneurs and 4.02% are layabouts. Sex, age and monthly family income explained the respondents chosen strand. Both sex and monthly family income explained the statehood. Basic education schools should establish a career guidance program that help students choose their SHS strand aligned to the college degree they wish to earn. GAD trainers are also recommended to include in their campaign the non-exclusivity of SHS strands and college courses for the rich or poor, male or female. TVL courses must be offered and strengthened in education as this is where many poor students enroll in view of skills ready for employment and entrepreneurship