New research reveals a significant shift in the post-graduation plans of recent high school graduates. Contrary to popular belief, only 50% of them are aiming for a four-year college or university.
This insight comes from a comprehensive survey conducted among 1,000 recent public high school graduates, aged 18 and 19, and 1,000 parents of public high school students.
The Preparedness Gap
The survey highlights a concerning preparedness gap. Only 22% of recent graduates feel “very prepared” for life after high school. Parents echo this sentiment, with just 43% believing their children are ready for the “real world.”
Diverse Post-Graduation Paths
The findings show a diverse range of post-graduation plans:
- Entering the Workforce: 24% of graduates plan to start working immediately.
- Two-Year Colleges: 21% are opting for community colleges or similar institutions.
- Trade Schools and Certificates: 9% are pursuing trade schools or certification programs.
- Gap Years: 7% are taking a gap year.
- Military Service: 4% are joining the military.
The Call for Real-World Skills
A significant portion of students and parents believe that high schools should focus more on real-world skills. Here’s what they wish their schools had emphasized:
- Real-World Skills: 49% want education on practical life skills like buying a car or family planning.
- Mental Health Support: 41% believe mental health support is crucial.
- Life Skills: 41% want training in conflict resolution and stress management.
- Financial Literacy: 40% desire courses on saving and investing.
- Job Skills: 37% seek more job-related skills.
- Post-High School Life: 36% want guidance on life beyond college.
- Passions and Interests: 29% wish for more focus on their personal interests.
- Individual Needs: 25% want schools to better understand and meet individual student needs.
Flexibility and Personalized Learning
Many graduates advocate for a more flexible and personalized learning environment. They suggest:
- Teaching How to Think: 36% want schools to focus on critical thinking rather than rote learning.
- Flexible Schedules: 35% desire more flexible class schedules.
- Support for Student-Athletes and Working Students: 34% call for accommodations for students with jobs or athletic commitments.
- Interest-Based Classes: 33% want the ability to choose classes that align with their interests.
- Learning Styles: 28% prefer classes that cater to different learning styles.
The Need for Change
Shellie Hanes, Superintendent of Schools at Learn4Life, emphasizes the need for educational reform.
She notes, “Traditional public high schools are built to prepare students for a traditional four-year college/university — but we’re seeing a shift in what students would like, and what they plan to pursue post-high school. It’s important that schools adjust, changing their methods and their lesson plans to focus on individual students and what their post-high school plans might be.”
The survey underscores a growing demand for high schools to adapt to the evolving needs of students. By incorporating real-world skills, financial literacy, and mental health support into the curriculum, schools can better prepare students for diverse post-graduation paths. Flexibility and personalized learning are key to engaging students and helping them thrive in their future endeavors.
Source:
Study conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Learn4Life for Personalized Learning Month in August.
