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October 14, 1998
(Education)


A comprehensive study on 1995 and 1996 high school graduates indicates they are pursuing postsecondary education in record numbers

Education Minister Roger Grimes today released the most recent study completed on high school graduates in the province. The report entitled "On the Road to Success: The Report of the Follow-Up of 1995 and 1996 High School Graduates" aims to provide a clear picture on what students are doing upon high school graduation, whether or not they choose to pursue higher education, what postsecondary institutions they are attending and why some students choose to forgo a postsecondary education.

"Government has been focusing on the importance of higher education for students," said Mr. Grimes, "and this report clearly shows that postsecondary rates are higher than they ever have been in the province. It is encouraging to see that students are recognizing the value of higher education and taking advantage of the opportunities available to them."

The following are some of the highlights of the report:

  • Two years following graduation approximately 80 per cent of 1995 graduates had entered a postsecondary institution. Findings from the one-year follow-up of 1996 graduates suggest even higher levels of postsecondary participation are likely to eventually be observed for this group.

  • Many graduates with no plans to pursue higher education at a college or university change their plans and enrol within two years of leaving school. Findings for the 1995 graduates who indicated having no plans to attend a postsecondary institution, for example, found that less than half held to this position.

  • For the 1996 graduates, approximately three of every four graduates were enrolled in a postsecondary program in the Fall following graduation from high school, an increase of 5.2 percentage points over 1995.

  • The findings from the report support the notion that the vast majority of university-bound graduates enroll directly from high school.

There have been encouraging gains in the participation rates of students attending postsecondary institutions. Overall, our participation rates are now at or above the national average. Among 1996 graduates who choose to forgo a postsecondary education, the most frequently cited reason was having a job or the prospect of a job. Other reasons included "career undecided" followed by reasons related to finances. For 1995 graduates, the main reason cited for not attending a postsecondary institution was that they had returned to school to upgrade their marks. It is noteworthy that nearly three out of every four 1995 graduates who returned to school to complete some form of high school upgrading went on to continue their education at the postsecondary level.

These positive results are likely attributable to a combination of factors. Our schools are doing a good job of retaining students through to graduation and students realize the importance of higher education. The workplace is also changing - jobs are requiring higher levels of education and training.

"High school graduates are receiving the message that a high school education alone is not enough preparation for the workforce," said Mr. Grimes, "and monitoring post-graduation activities through follow-up studies like this is an important means by which government can ensure continued progress."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Communications, (709) 729-5040.

Copies of the study may be obtained by contacting Ros O'Leary at (709) 729-0645 or Carl Cooper.

1998 10 14                   11:25 a.m.


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