Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Thesis Outline
Presented to
Echague, Isabela
In Partial Fulfillment
By
April 2020
APPROVAL SHEET
The thesis attached hereto entitled, “READINESS OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION is hereby
endorsed.
EVA U. CAMMAYO
Adviser
Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER IN BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION.
PANEL OF EXAMINERS
Approved:
Recorder:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE ……………………………………………………………………………… … i
APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………………………………………………. ii
TABLE FO CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………….. iii
CHAPTER
I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 1
Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………... 3
Objectives of the Study……………………………………………………….. 4
Significance of the Study …………………………………………………….. 5
Scope and Delimitation of the Study…………………………………………. 5
Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………… 6
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Research Literature…………………………………………………………… 7
Conceptual Paradigm of the Study…………………………………………… 20
Hypothesis ……………………………………………………………………. 21
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design………………………………………………………………. 21
Locale and Respondents of the Study ……………………………………….. 22
Data Gathering Procedure……………………………………………………. 22
Research Instrument …………………………………………………………. 24
Statistical Treatment ………………………………………………………… 24
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
Request Letter to the School
Questionnaire for the Respondents
1
a. INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, one of the major thrusts of former President Benigno Aquino’s government
was the enhancement of the basic education program known as the Republic Act No. 10533 series 2012
which was signed into law on May 15, 2013. The law was enacted and promulgated because the
Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide with a 10-year pre-
university cycle. Senior high school or SHS refers to the last two years of the K to 12 program – namely,
grades 11 and 12. Students are now required to choose their preferred senior high strands upon their
entrance and to begin studying the subjects that are going to introduce them to the career path that they
want to take.
This recent educational reform efforts instituted by the Philippine government intends to improve
the quality of the high school graduates. These new graduates are envisage to become more competitive
in the global business arena and to bring more success that would contribute towards building the nation
and be at par with the rest of the world. The implementation of the senior high school nationwide began
in SY 2016-2017 as prescribed in the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. The additional two years
in senior high school was targeted to prepare students for tertiary education, middle level skills
development, entrepreneurship, and global employment. The Senior High School program is further
broken down into learning strands and career tracks. There are currently four career tracks composed of
academic, TVL/TVE, Arts and Design and Sports. The eight learning strands, meanwhile, are STEM,,
ABM, HUMMS, GAS, Home Economics, Agri-Fishery Arts, Industrial Arts, and ICT.
2
Over the past few months, a wave of incoming college freshman transitioned from senior high school to
higher education to begin their collegiate careers. For many of these students, the shift to postsecondary
education marks the fruition of years of learning, preparation and anticipation. For the graduates of senior
high school, the question becomes: “Are they ready for university?”
Going to university is an exciting new phase in life, with all the adventures that come with it,
especially for students who move out of their parents’ house and start to live on their own in a new city.
However, many students do not know what to expect or have unrealistic expectations about university in
general (Heublein et al., 2017; Smith & Wertlieb, 2005) or about the specific degree programme they have
chosen to pursue (De Buck, 2009). Even despite the lack of (accurate) expectations, the transition from
secondary education to university may turn out quite well if the student finds himself or herself fit in
perfectly into the new environment. However, for a substantial number of students this is not the case. In
the Netherlands, 33% of all first-year students in the academic year 2014/2015 did not continue in the
same degree programme they had started: 7% left university altogether and 26% switched programmes
(Inspectorate of Education, 2017). Apart from the negative consequences this has for universities
regarding costs and success rates, it could also have negative psychological and financial effects on the
student, e.g., the feeling of failure and the loss of money on an unfinished study programme. Moreover,
the number of students who do not cope with the transition effectively is probably a lot higher than these
dropout rates suggest, since not all students who have a difficult time will quit or switch. In a sample of
first-year students at a university in the United Kingdom, Lowe and Cook (2003) found that one out of
four to one out of three students faced considerable difficulties in adjusting to postsecondary education.
These adjustment difficulties may cause academic problems, such as underachievement, and
psychological problems, like depression (Leung, 2017; Lowe & Cook, 2003).
3
Based on the foregoing discussions, the researcher was prompted to conceptualize and conduct a
study on the level of readiness of senior high school graduates (S.Y 2018-2019) who are enrolled in
Business Education and Accountancy courses. This study will investigate the academic, non-academic
and socio-economic factors that determines the level of readiness of the senior high school graduates
This study aims to determine the level of readiness of the senior high school graduates to higher
education in selected Higher Education Institution’s in Isabela. More specifically, it sought to answer the
following questions:
A. Socio-economic
Age
Gender
Family income
Household size
Parent’s Occupation
B. Academic
GWA
Strand
2. What is the level of readiness of the Senior High School graduates for higher education in academic
4
3. What is the significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and the level of readiness of
a. Academic
b. Non-academic
4. What are the problems encountered by the respondents during their Senior High School year and upon
A. Socio-economic
Age
Gender
Family income
Household size
Parent’s Occupation
B. Academic
GWA
Strand
2. To determine the level of readiness of the Senior High School graduates for higher education in
a. Academic
b. Non-academic
4. To identify the problems encountered by the respondents during their Senior High School year and
The results of this research can benefit the Senior High School graduates to help them gain
awareness and consciousness to determine the different factors to consider in order for them to be prepared
before entering tertiary level. This research study can help also the parents, guardians to provide support
or guidance on the career path of the student. Also, it can give them awareness to their duties upon
fulfilling the needs of students before entering college mostly in financial aspects. Also, the results of the
study can provide them a clearer view of the impact and benefits of Senior High School to the future of
the students. This research study will also help the policy makers of the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) as their basis in formulating or crafting new policies/
education, who are enrolled in Business Education and Accountancy in selected HEI’s in Isabela, namely;
NorthEastern College
La Patria College
The survey will be conducted on the third week from the start of classes.
f. DEFINITION OF TERMS
To facilitate the reader’s understanding of the contents of this study, the researcher have presented
below a list of terms that can give the readers an accurate information.
Higher Education Institution - A level of education that is provided by universities, colleges, institutes
of technology and other collegiate level institutions that award academic degrees or professional
certifications.
Senior High School - Covers the last two years of the K to 12 program and includes Grades 11 and 12.
Strand - Is a consistent thread running through a course offer respective of its subject content.
Achievement Motivation Orientation - The degree to which one has an intrinsic interest in higher
Learning-efficacy - The degree of confidence in one’s own ability to achieve one’s academic goals.
Goal orientation - The degree to which one is able to plan for learning by setting task-specific goals.
Integration/support - The degree to which a student experience institutional, social, family and
financial support.
In this review of the literature, I focused on aspects that adhere to Conley’s (2007) model of college
readiness. This review contains definitions and discussions of the struggles with college readiness.
Related Literature
According to Kuh, Kinzie, Buckley, Bridges, & Hayek (2007) an institution must understand and
know its students when they arrive at the university (also refer to Braxton & Hirschy, 2005). Determining
students’ readiness for university education is seen as the first step in understanding the students that
enroll at an institution. Readiness for university education can be defined as the level of preparation a
student needs in order to enroll and succeed, without remediation in a credit-bearing programme at a
higher education institution (Conley, 2007, p.1). Readiness for university education is predominantly
associated with high school academic achievement and frequently also the results of admission tests (Byrd
& MacDonald, 2005; Conley, 2007). In addition to academic achievement, the participants of Byrd and
MacDonald’s study indicated additional factors associated with readiness, namely (a) skills in time-
management, (b) motivational factors and (c) background factors and (d) student self-concept (Byrd &
MacDonald, 2005; Conley, 2007). High school achievement and ability tests measure cognitive skills and
strategies as well as content knowledge (Conley, 2007). According to Conley (2007), these elements are
very important indicators of students’ readiness for university education. However, when students enroll
to university they bring with them personal attributes, academic ability, and other socio-cultural
characteristics, just to name a few (Tinto, 1993). A broader definition of preparedness or readiness is
therefore necessary to screen students at risk, compared to using only cognitive ability.
The readiness model of Conley (2007) is explained firstly to show that readiness for university
education is not only associated with academic performance in school or with measures of ability on
Conley (2007) suggests a broad definition of readiness that includes inter-related cognitive
strategies, acquiring content knowledge, academic behaviours, and contextual knowledge and skills.
Cognitive strategies include conceptual and evaluative thinking, synthesising and problem solving (also
refer to Conley et al., 2009). These strategies develop over time and are necessary to attain academic
success at university. Content knowledge is the skills that are inherently part of specific high school
subjects, such as critical reading skills in English language studies. It is dependent on developing and
using cognitive strategies because it is through the use of key cognitive strategies that content knowledge
is achieved (Conley, 2005; 2007). Academic behaviours consist of meta-cognitive skills and study skills
self-control. The study-skill behaviours compose of time management, which according to Conley (2007)
refers to planning a task, setting up the study environment, breaking up the tasks into manageable chunks
and balancing competing tasks. Lastly, contextual knowledge and skills refers to the ability to adapt and
understand the context or climate of the institution. Accordingly, students who do not understand or who
are unable to adapt to the norms, values and expectations of the institution are more likely to feel alienated
and have intentions to withdraw voluntarily (Conley, 2007). Another important area of contextual
awareness is known as ‘college knowledge’ (Conley, 2007). College knowledge refers to an understanding
of the bureaucratic processes that are associated with applying, enrolling and studying at a university
(Bean & Eaton, 2000; Conley, 2007). For success in higher education, students must acquire appropriate
Conley (2007) suggest that students who are ready for university education are more likely to have
a ‘smoother’ transition phase, be academically successful, and persist. These students are more able to
adapt to the university environment because they are able to strengthen their resources (Schlossberg et al.,
1995). These resources consist of a support structure and personal psychological resources and strategies.
Successful college transition is likely with persistence, increasing effort, and being more engaged (Geiger
regarded as important indicators of academic success. Institutions who understand the entering student,
including the between and within-group differences, are more likely to address the needs of individual
students with pro-active interventions (Beck & Davidson, 2001; Seidman, 2005). A scientific approach to
students.
David Conley’s (2014) Four Keys to College and Career Readiness Model. Conley argues that
multiple measures are needed to better assess college and career readiness. Conley’s definition for college
and career readiness takes individual student abilities, interests, and goals into consideration, rather the
one-size-fits all definition many other organizations and states have. He defines readiness as, “a function
of the ability to continue to learn beyond high school, and particularly in postsecondary courses relevant
to students’ goals and interests, as represented by their choice of major or certificate program” (Conley,
2014). Conley’s measure of college and career readiness is multidimensional, and is organized by what
he calls the Four Keys to College and Career Readiness. The Four Keys are: 1) key cognitive strategies,
2) key content knowledge, 3) key learning skills and techniques, and 4) key transition knowledge and
skills.
According to the ACT Research and Policy, published on February 2013, College readiness helps
provide students with early momentum towards long-term college success. Helping more students become
ready for first-year college courses in at least one or more subject area has the potential to help our nation
increase the number of its students with a college degree and build a more highly-skilled and productive
workforce. Among ACT-tested 2012 high school graduates, more than 80% aspire to complete a
bachelor’s degree and yet significant percentages of them are not ready for first year, credit-bearing
college courses. Based on extensive research into what postsecondary educators expect from entering
college students, each assessment measures what students are able to do with what they have learned in
school.
College readiness has been a topic of concern for many years. Stakeholders and administrators
have expressed the importance of college readiness through policies and education initiatives such as the
No Child Left Behind Act (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) and Every Student Succeeds Act (Every
Student Succeeds Act of 2015). However, defining college readiness has become a challenge. Zinth (2012)
explained that individual states have created separate definitions of college readiness based on academic
knowledge and state assessments, while other states defined college readiness based on national
assessments. Zinth (2012) stated that the definition of college readiness is a work in progress.
Anderson and Fulton (2015) stated that college readiness should include multiple measures.
Multiple measures allow for mastery of content and greater potential of success in college (ACT, 2013).
Anderson and Fulton (2015) also gave examples of the multiple measures that should be considered:
Competency-based assessments, rigor in courses and curriculum, GPA, class rank, assessments, and index
scores. The researchers also included the amount of time spent in the classroom as a suggested measure.
In order to better explain and define college readiness, studies have measured the correlation
between high school grade point averages (HSGPAs) and college readiness (Anderson & Fulton, 2015;
Connolly et al., 2014; Kowski, 2013; McNeish, Radunzel, & Sanchez, 2015), advanced placement classes
and integrating rigor into the classroom (Lindsay, Davis, Stephan, Bonsu, & Narlock, 2016; Mariani,
Berger, Koerner, & Sandlin, 2016; Parikh, 2013) and characteristics and attributes that express college
readiness (Arnold et al., 2012a; Geertshuis et al., 2014; Kyllonen et al., 2014). Overall, researchers have
agreed that college readiness needs to be considered a multidimensional process (Conley, 2012, 2014b;
Gaertner & McClarty, 2015; Mattern et al., 2016). There is still no definitive definition to college
readiness. However, being college ready is integral for the success of first-year community college
students.
Studies have shown that GPAs are a strong reflection of students’ college readiness (Jimenez et
al., 2016; Sanchez, 2013). Anderson and Fulton (2015) have stated that GPA is a more accurate college
ready assessment than standardized achievement tests. Students who graduate with higher HSGPA (3.0
or higher) have shown better college readiness than students who graduated with a lower HSGPA (ACT,
2013). However, in a study conducted by Connolly et al. (2014), students who had a HSGPA of 3.0 or
greater were still identified as needing college remediation. Due to discrepancies in grading practice and
rigor in high school courses, earning high grades in high school is no longer a guarantee that first-year
community college students will be successful in college (ACT, 2013). With the conflicting research about
HSGPAs as a strong indicator of college readiness, more questions are left unanswered about college
readiness.
Kowski (2013) showed that HSGPA show a significant correlation to college readiness, and that
college readiness was dependent on factors such as the level of math classes students took, whether
students took classes beyond the minimum requirements, and whether they graduated with an overall GPA
of “B” or higher. McNeish et al. (2015) stated that academic performance varies depending on student
characteristics. HSGPA averages were not only affected by content mastery, but by student behavior and
characteristics while in school. In Komarraju, Ramsey, and Rinella’s (2013) quantitative study about
cognitive and noncognitive predictors of college readiness, the researchers stated that HSGPA and ACT
scores revealed different patterns of non-cognitive and varied levels of college readiness among college
freshman. In the same study, the researchers concluded that academic discipline partially mediated the
relationship between HSGPA and college GPA. To assume that HSGPA and college entrance exams are
With the inconsistency in research about HSGPA as a predictive indicator of college readiness,
another consideration is the implementation of advanced classes (AP) classes and integrating a more
rigorous expectation in the classroom. High schools and some middle schools offer students the
opportunity to enroll in AP classes or college preparatory classes. These classes are designed to be more
rigorous and include an element of collegiate expectations (Digby, 2016). AP classes offer students the
opportunity to receive college credit while in high school and prepare them for the rigor that is to be
expected in a college setting. Receiving college credits in high school alleviates the need for first-year
community college students to take prerequisite courses their first year in college (College Board, 2017).
Students who have participated in AP classes have scored higher on college entrance exams (Colgren &
Sappington, 2015). AP classes offer students better knowledge and understanding of college expectations
than regular high school classes (Digby, 2016). Other college preparatory classes that are offered to high
school students are international baccalaureate (IB) classes. IB classes offer students another means of
experiencing college-level work and earning college credit (Navarro, 2016). IB classes are very similar to
AP classes, and students’ success rates in IB classes are equivalent to students who take AP classes. Both
types of classes offer students college level experience and expectations, along with the opportunity to
earn college credit. Conley, McGaughy, Davis-Molin, Farkas, and Fukuda (2014) stated that IB classes
address the key variables—both cognitive and noncognitive—associated with college readiness. A strong
predictor of college readiness is the extent to which high school students took advanced classes (Edmunds
et al., 2017).
Conley and French (2014) explained that even though content knowledge is important, it is
insufficient. Today, the goal is to broaden participation and success in postsecondary education of a wider
range of students, many of whom lack content knowledge. Attributes that suggest college readiness are
self-efficacy, motivation and engagement, aspirations, and academic skills and discipline (Arnold et al.,
2012a; Conley, 2014b). Personality can predict academic success from early grades through graduate
school. Personality can also determine the self-efficacy, motivation, aspirations, and academic skills and
disciplines that a student possesses. Self-efficacy is closely related to engagement and academic
performance. Motivation and engagement in the classroom also lead to higher academic achievement
(Arnold et al., 2012a; Conley & French, 2014; Kyllonen et al., 2014).
initiation, persistence and performance (Wingfield & Eccles, 2000, p. 68). Accordingly the theory states
that motivation is dependent on outcome expectations, thus what would be the likelihood of achieving an
outcome and what is the perceived value of achieving the outcome (see Figure 2.6 below). A positive
deduction from the expectation and value of the outcome will lead to a change in behaviour that would
increase the probability of achieving the outcome. The outcome in an educational context is indirectly
influenced by one or more forms of choices, like persistence, increasing effort, the type of subjective task
value determines the behaviour. The types of value are attainment value, utility value, intrinsic value and
value of a task refers to the usefulness of the task and more engaged or choosing different strategies for
success (Geiger & Cooper, 1995, p. 251). to acquire something else. The cost of pursuing the outcome
refers to choices one has to make as well as the expected effort one has to expend in order to complete the
task (Wingfield et al., 2004). The self-assessment of expectations and values are subsequently influenced
by perceptions of motivational beliefs, personal past experiences and socio-cultural influences. The
motivational beliefs incorporated into the theory are goals, concepts of ability, difficulty of the task and
the way a student thinks about himself (self-schemata). The motivational beliefs directly influence the
expectations for success as well as the subjective task value. The motivational beliefs are subsequently
influenced by personal past experiences and socio-cultural influences and the attributions and
According to Wingfield (1994, p. 94), the expectancy motivation for achievement tasks and
provides insight into the concept of achievement motivation. Achievement motivation as referred to here
by Wingfield ‘needs theory’ which states that ‘individual motivated behave the strength of various
intrinsic needs (in other words, achievement, affiliation, autonomy, and dominance)’ (Geiger & Cooper,
1995, p. 251). Our focus is on achievement motivation which is the drive to excel academically (B &
Hamaker, 2000). Achievement and the avoidance of failure (the push Haugen, Lund, & Ommundsen,
2008
organize and execute courses of action required to attain designated type of performances’ (Bandura, 1986,
p. 391). In an academic environment self-efficacy refers to a belief in one’s ability, based on past
experiences to perform academically and to achieve set goals within a domain-specific context (Bean,
2005; Bean & Eaton, 2000). Ayayee defines self-efficacy as ‘…learners’ beliefs in their capabilities and
what is required of them to do well’ (2008, p. 169). From Bandura’s definition, perceived self-efficacy is
a judgment of what one is capable of doing according to one’s own set of standards. It focuses on
performance capabilities rather than actual personality variables (Zimmerman, 2000, p. 82).
Zimmerman states that self-efficacy judgements indicate if a person expects to be able to do the
task and does not indicate how well a person will do on the task (Zimmerman, 2000, p. 84; Maddux, 2002,
p. 278). According to Wingfield and Eccles’ expectancyvalue theory, Bandura differentiates between
‘...efficacy expectations, or the individual’s belief that he or she can accomplish a task, and the outcome
expectation, or the belief that a given action will lead to a given outcome’ (2000, p. 70-71). Bandura argues
to a difference between the ‘judgments’ regarding the behaviour and the outcome of the behaviour, which
is a consequence of the behaviour (see Jacobs, Prentice-Dunn & Rodgers, 1984). Self-efficacy judgments
refer to how well one is able to the task, while the outcome is the anticipated result of completing or
Goals specify valued outcomes of students, educational and occupational, toward which activities
are directed and reflect both aspiration and expectations (Locke, 2002; Schunk, 1991, p. 85; Tinto, 1993).
According to Pintrich (2000, p. 93), there are three general perspectives on goals, each at a specific levels
of analysis. At the first level are target goals which specify a specific level of performance by which a
person can evaluate performance (see Bandura, 1986; Harackiewics & Sansone, 1991, p. 21). On the
second level are more general goals that indicate the reason for pursuing a task (purpose goals) and could
apply to all areas of life (see Harackiewics & Sansone, 1991, p. 21). At the third level are achievement
goals that incorporate target and purpose goals, but used specifically when an achievement task, like
higher education, is pursued. ‘Given this general definition, current achievement goal constructs address
the issue of the purpose or reason students are pursuing an achievement task as well as the standards or
criteria they construct to evaluate their competence or success on the task’ (Pintrich, 2000, p. 93).
Achievement goal theory, as explained by Pintrich, shows that achievement goals are not just a
combination of target and purpose goals, but also indicates beliefs about ability, competence, success and
effort. Pintrich proposes an integrated approach to achievement goal theory and motivational constructs.
According to Pintrich’s (2000, p. 94) achievement goal theory, target goals are use as specific
criteria to evaluate performance (see Schunk, 1991). According to Harackiewics and Sansone (1991, p.
21), target goals guide behaviour and influence the performance of a person. Bandura (1986, p. 473) argues
that various conditions apply that affect performance on various tasks. Bandura (1986) reasons that goals
should firstly be clear by indicating the type and amount of effort required. Secondly, the goals should be
set at a challenging level, but not be entirely unattainable (Bandura, 1986; Schunk, 1991). When goals are
clear in terms of what performance is needed to accomplish the goal, it heightens the attainability of the
goal. When a goal, especially a challenging goal, is attained it increases efficacy judgements and
motivation to continue with the task. Thus, supporting a cyclical interaction effect among goals, self-
efficacy, expected difficulty of the task and the achievement behaviour, such as increasing effort to reach
Bean and Eaton’s (2000) model indicates that attributions are important factors as students enter
the institution. Attribution theory provides a theoretical framework to understand why events occur
(Weiner, 1972, p. 203) and how this relates to thinking and behaviour (Attribution Theory, B. Weiner,
n.d.). According Weiner (as cited in Ayayee, 2008, p. 169) attribution theory refers to the factors that have
a perceived influence on academic success or failures. Attribution theory has been used extensively in an
educational context and has been used to explain the difference between high and low achieving students
(Attribution Theory, n.d.). According to Weiner (as cited in Rodgers & Summers, 2008, p. 180) there are
three causal dimensions to which students can attribute their academic outcomes: ‘locus (internal versus
external), controllability (controllable versus uncontrollable) and stability (stable versus unstable)’.
Causes of success or failure that relate to locus indicate origins of factors within the person (internal) or
the environment (external). Students who believe that the cause of success or failure is stable believe that
the outcome will be the same when performed at a later time, while students who believe the cause is
unstable will believe the outcome will be different each time. Those students who believe that the cause
is controllable believe that they can change the factors that cause success or failure (see Henson, 1976).
Factors that are believed to be uncontrollable cannot easily be changed (Attribution Theory, n.d.). The
style of attribution (Haugen, Ommundsen, & Lund, (2004); Haugen, Lund, & Ommundsen, 2008).
Weiner (as cited in Attribution Theory, B. Weiner, n.d.) identified four factors affecting
attributions for achievement: ability, effort, task difficulty and luck. These four factors are usually used to
attribute the reasons for success or failure in an academic context and are influenced by the students’
According to Weiner (as cited in Attribution Theory, n.d.) the four factors can be analysed as
followed: • Ability is a relatively internal and stable factor over which a student does not have much direct
control; • Task difficulty is an external and stable factor which a student does not have much control over;
• Effort is an internal and unstable factor over which a student has much control over; • Luck is an external
and unstable factor which a student does not have much control over.
According to “First-Year College Experience”, a recent report based on a Harris Poll conducted
among 1,502 first-year college students nationwide, the first year of college is packed with emotional
challenges that range far beyond academics. In fact, most of the students surveyed said they felt better
prepared academically for college than emotionally. Nearly half reported feeling overwhelmed the first
year, as if “everyone has college figured out but me”, and 50 percent said they feel stressed “most or all
of the time”. Top stress factors among first year college students include financial costs (40%),making
new friends (30%), staying in touch with family and friends (28%) and learning how to live
independently. Students with lower GPAs are the most likely to say they’re having trouble coping. Almost
a third of students said they regularly consumed alcohol or drugs their first term of college. Those who
commissioned the report say emotional preparedness occurs more consistently across the board when it is
better integrated into the work high school counselors are already doing to prepare kids for college. They
point out that the transition from high school to college is especially important, because transitions are
always “danger points for kids and stress and substance use” says Sean Clarkin, EVP, Research and
External Relations, Partnership for Drug-Free kids.What can high school counselors do to prepare students
Guide students toward choosing a college that best fits their emotional needs as well as their
academic interests.
Point families toward resources available on most college campuses, such as academic and
residential life advisors, free tutoring centers, student life offices, mental health professionals and
Remind students that self-advocacy is one of the most important skills they can master before
going to college and encourage them to advocate for themselves n high school.
Create forums for family discussions about risky college behaviors involving drugs, alcohol and
sex.
Talk to students about resilience, offering examples of how they have already shown strength in
the face of challenging situations-like bouncing back after a failed exam,a failed romance, or not
The importance of social emotional development and its links to academic success starts from a
very early age and has long lasting effects. Educators, along with developmental psychologists, believe
that it is essential to have a strong focus on social emotional development programming for students and
it is imperative that it begins as early as kindergarten (Denham, Bassett, Zinsser & Wyatt, 2014; Schonert-
There are many different components that affect a child’s growth and development. Although
schools only have a certain amount of control over what happens in students’ lives, it is essential that
educators have a wealth of strategies to use to incorporate best teaching practices for all students, including
those who are living in low-income households (Bavarian et al., 2013). Students from low socio economic
families are typically related to lower skill levels (Reid et al., 2014). “A growing body of research
indicates that school-based social-emotional and character development (SECD) and SECD-like programs
(e.g., social-emotional learning, positive youth development) can influence health behaviors and academic
achievement among low-income minority youth” (Bavarian et al., 2013, p. 771). One specific program –
FRIENDS for Life – studied the impact on social and emotional outcomes while also finding out how to
better serve teachers educating students from low socio-economic backgrounds (Iizuka et al., 2015).
Positive Action, another program, used three measures to gain information: student selfreport, teacher
ratings of students, and school records/data (Bavarian et al., 2015). Girls and low-income students showed
greater growth in the area of math as a result of this implementation. Both programs illustrated positive
results on the low socio economic subgroup of learners and their social emotional development.
Since there is such a lack of control over students’ home environment, schools need to focus on
what factors they are able to control, such as the school structure itself and the faculty involved. A key
component to achieve effective support for a schools’ low socio economic populations is to work to
facilitate the teachers who serve as the key deliverers of the instruction (Bavarian et al., 2013; Iizuka et
al., 2015). In order for the delivery of the instruction to be effective there needs to be a greater focus on
things, such as problem solving, self-control, emotional regulation, attention and quality lesson planning
(Bavarian et al., 2013). Effective prevention programs need to include factors that are malleable in order
to connect with the specific participants in each unique school and particular control factors in the
environment (Iizuka et al., 2015). Such factors may include: self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-
awareness, ability to express one’s feelings appropriately, empathy, and peer socialization. (Behfooroz et
Students who are academically and socially under-prepared for the challenges of the university are
usually unable to make the transition to university and withdraw from their studies (Conley, 2005, 2007,
2009). These students are more frequently from underresourced schools where students are taught to use
surface learning strategies, like rote learning (Cabrera et al., 2005; Jones et al., 2008; Sternberg, 2007).
Astin (1975, p. 32) indicated in his study that students’ ratings of the quality of their high school was
associated with withdrawal behaviour. According to Astin’s study, the students were able to indicate with
some accuracy the quality of their high schools. Students that rated their school poorly were more likely
to withdraw from a higher education institution. Students who are not fluent in the language of tuition also
have difficulty to write scientifically and use critical thinking to engage with the literature (Jones et al.,
2008). Wong and Chia (as cited in Du Plessis et al. 2005, p. 689) measured the impact of proficiency of
English in non-English speaking countries. In this study it was found that students who were taught
accounting science in English as their second language had poor performance in mathematics and
accounting science. Bohlmann and Pretorius (as cited in Du Plessis et al. 2005, p. 689) also investigated
the effect of English reading ability of English second and third language users on mathematical
performance. Their study found that regardless of the language use (first or second users), the students’
reading ability was of greater importance of success in a mathematical module. Du Plessis et al. (2005, p.
696) in their own study used Grade 12 English final examination marks as an indication of English
proficiency. The results of the study showed no statistical significant difference between first and second
language users. The important component of reading ability according to the Du Plessis et al. research
project was comprehension or understanding of what is being read. The results indicated that more than
half of what was read was not understood by the weak readers, irrespective of language use.
According to Nagaoka et al., (2015) non-cognitive factors are behaviors, skills, attitudes, and
strategies crucial to students academic performance and persistence at the high school level.
The above collection of related studies provides information about readiness of students for higher
education and that they have similarities in the result of their studies.
College readiness is essential for the success of students and society. College readiness has
multiple aspects and students are all different. Readiness characteristics consisting of cognitive,
demographic and psycho-social variables are regarded as important indicators of academic success.
Institutions who understand the entering student, including the between and within-group differences, are
more likely to address the needs of individual students with pro-active interventions. Students who are
ready for university education are more likely to have a ‘smoother’ transition phase, be academically
successful, and persist. College readiness helps provide students with early momentum towards long-term
college success. GPA is a more accurate college ready assessment than standardized achievement tests.
Students who graduate with higher HSGPA (3.0 or higher) have shown better college readiness than
students who graduated with a lower HSGPA. Educators, along with developmental psychologists, believe
that it is essential to have a strong focus on social emotional development programming for students and
academic and socio-economic factors that determines the level of readiness of the senior high school
IV
DV
Socio-Economic Profile:
. Level of Readiness f Senior
Age High School graduates for
Sex Business Education programs
Family income in terms of:
Household size
f. RESEARCH PARADIGM
Parents Profession 1. Academic
Strand GWA
2. Non- academic
School Profile:
Achievement motivation
Type of School orientation
Years of Existence Learning-efficacy
No. of Strand Offered Goal Orientation
No. of core faculty/per Integration/support
strand
No. of sections
Eligibility of faculty
C. NULL HYPOTHESIS:
1. There is no significant relationship between the profile of respondents in the level of readiness of
the Senior High School graduates for Business Education programs in terms of academic and non-
academic aspects.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A. RESEARCH DESIGN
A descriptive correlation design using survey approach as its research strategy will be employed
in this study to describe the level of readiness of the Senior High School graduates for Business Education
The survey approach is an attempt to use a systematic set of data typically collected by a
questionnaire. The researcher therefore uses information from a sample of individuals to make some
inference about the wider population. It involves collecting data in order to answer the research questions
by quantifying and describing the variables being measured. Survey approach is typically used under the
following conditions: when some degree of generalization is desired, but it is not possible to contact
everyone in the population; when time and cost are critical factors; and when the target population is
large. Hence, this study thus fits the conditions for utilizing survey research approach.
The participants were composed of 313 Business Education and Accountancy students who are
enrolled in the first semester of school year 2019-2020 in selected HEI’s in Isabela. Data collection started
by obtaining permissions from the school Director through a letter that explained the purpose of the study
and requested for a master list of incoming first year students who are enrolled in Accountancy and
The SLOVIN’S Formula was used in determining the sample size of student-respondent from
C. DATA GATHERING
rigorous testing to ensure reliability and validity. Due to time constraints of developing new
questionnaires, the researcher adapted existing questionnaires to better fit the purpose of the study. One
advantage of using existing questionnaire is that they will have been extensively tested at the time of first
use. The survey questionnaire was adapted from the study of Jean Claude Lemmens of the University of
Pretoria, entitled Students’ Readiness for University Education with the degree of Doctor in Psychology.
constructs related to academic readiness (1 Definitely disagree to 5 Definitely agree). For the problems
encountered by the students during high school year and upon entering college, the researcher adapted the
survey questionnaire from the study of Nicette Ganal and Marissa Guiab of the PNU North Luzon
Campus, Alicia, Isabela published in International Refereed Research Journal entitled, “Problems and
To analyze the respondent’s socio-economic and academic profile, descriptive statistics which
include the frequency count, percentages, and mean will be used. On the other hand, the level of readiness
will be analyzed through quantitative and descriptive value of the five-point likert scale. The relationship
between the profile of the respondents and their readiness to higher education will be analyzed through
employing the Kendall’s Tau (to be consulted to Statistician). For the readiness in the academic aspect,
chi-square will be employed because the dependent variable is GWA which is a continuous variable. For
the non-academic aspect, chi-square test shall also be used considering that the variables are categorical.
The problems encountered by the students in their senior high school life and upon entering college will
be identified and their level of seriousness will be analyzed quantitatively and descriptively using the five-
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