Factors Affecting the Track Preference of Grade 10 Students at Cielito Zamora High School Academic Year 2018-2019

Abstract

The implementation of the K-12 program is a big step done by the Department of Education (DepEd) from the Basic Education Curriculum of 2002. A major change brought about by the K-12 program is the advancement of career pathways in the Grades 11 and 12 known as “TRACKS”. The tracks were offered to serve as the students’ first step in planning for their future careers. It gives options for specialization in Academics, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports and Arts and Design fields. However, most Grade 10 Students have been observed of not having a solid decision in their track preference by the researchers. Thus, they aimed to determine the factors affecting the track preference of students encompassing their personal choice, parental choice, peers’ and teachers’ influence in Grade 10 students at Cielito Zamora High School A. Y. 2018-2019. They gathered and evaluated information to validate this study. The descriptive design was used with 50 Grade 10 students as respondents. The survey questionnaire and unstructured interview were used as instruments in collecting data. The raw data were presented through percentages, ranking, and weighted mean. The majority of the respondents are of age 15, female, with an average rating of 86-90, with their parent's monthly income below 5,000, and with Mathematics as their favorite subject. They preferred to take STEM, followed by ABM, next is HUMMS, then other tracks. Academic Performance, Skills and Financial Matters of the students are sometimes affected by the factors they consider that influence their track preferences. A livelihood program should be introduced to the families of the students to support their studies. The schools should introduce and encourage the students in knowing other tracks like agri-fishery and industrial arts. PTA (Parents Teachers Association) meeting of the Moving Up students should have Career Guidance counseling for they contribute greatly to influencing the choice of their students. The behavior has the lowest percentage so Values formation programs should be further developed. Further studies should be conducted to verify the results of the study.