Case study of the high school academic preparation and college academic experience

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This qualitative study describes the beliefs of a group of college graduates regarding their high school preparation and its effect on their college successes. High school curriculum has been at the center of educational debate throughout U.S. history, and what academic preparation is needed at the high school level to best prepare students for success in college has been a continuing question. The research questions were as follows: (1) What connections exist between high school academic preparation and college success? (2) What factors seem to contribute to college success? The theoretical lens for this study was constructivism as it allowed the participants the opportunity to share their perspectives of how their high school preparation contributed to their college successes and allowed the researcher the opportunity to establish findings and conclusions from the participants' stories. Seven students from a 1999 Oklahoma graduating class who enrolled in an Oklahoma public college or university in Fall 1999 and graduated by Spring 2005 were interviewed.

Findings and Conclusions: Five themes developed within this study and subsequently became the findings. They are as follows: (1) Rigorous coursework and the expectation of quality work is a connection that links high school preparation and college success; (2) The opportunity for learning activities in high school that are relevant to real-world experiences and future goals connects high school preparation and college success; (3) Positive relationships between students and teachers is a connection that links high school preparation and college success; (4) Academic skills are important and a connection that links high school preparation and college success; and (5) Positive participation and experiences in extracurricular activities is a connection that links high school preparation and college success. The findings demonstrated the importance of strong high school teachers, instruction, and activities that contributed toward the building of a strong work ethic, self-confidence, esteem, and sense of belonging in students. These attributes fostered autonomy in students that enabled them to attain college graduation.