Factors Affecting the Track Preference of the Incoming Senior High School Students in Renato Edano Vicencio National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The career specializations offered by the K-12 curriculum serve as a stepping stone for the students' chosen career. The Grade the 9 and 10 students are at that phase of choosing the track they would take up for Senior High School. This study aimed to determine the specialization that they are about to take and why they chose the said track.

METHODS

Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. The respondents of the study were 67 Grade 9, and 43 Grade 10 students with a total of 110 respondents. Percentage and Weighted Mean were the statistical tools used in this study.

RESULTS

Data clearly revealed that out of 110 respondents,63 or 57.27% preferred Academic Track, 46 or 41.82% chose TVL track, one or 0.91% chose Arts and Design track and none chose Sports Track. They also agreed that their preferred track is their personal choice and childhood dream, and is suited to their skills and abilities. In terms of family factors, results revealed that the respondents consider their parents' decision and their family's financial status regardless of their career preference. In terms of social factors, respondents agreed that they consider in demand courses, teachers' advices, availability of track offering in the community, and availability of job in the future.

DISCUSSIONS

Results indicate that the incoming SHS students prefer Academic Track because they believe that it suits their personalities, choices, values and interests. According to the study of McKay (2017), a constant willingness to learn about a particular area of interest brings about success. Therefore, REVNHS is encouraged to add Academic Track in their course offering to cater to the learners' preference as it will bring a greater chance of success among students.