Student Transitions: Intentions of Manitoba Senior 4 Students. Phase 1 of a Longitudinal School-Work Transitions Study (June 1999)

The Manitoba Education and Training Program launched a longitudinal student transitions study in 1999 to gain a better understanding of the various routes taken by Senior 4 (S4) students in their pursuit of a post-secondary education and work experience. The first phase of the study surveyed the S4 students as they completed their final year of high school. The intent was to provide educators and policymakers with information to help guide education renewal for future students. The study determined that most students intended to pursue a post-secondary institution and/or work after graduation and almost half planned more than one activity. The major influencing factors to students in planning their future were the advice given by parents or guardians, having good grades, and the personal goal of pursuing a specific job or career. The major barrier identified by students in their ability to achieve their future plans was not having enough money. The findings can be used by policymakers and educators to gain insight into the future plans of high school graduates; factors that influence students as they plan for their future; and barriers students view as potentially affecting their ability to fulfill their future plans. Appendixes include: Sampling Methodology and Questionnaire. (Author/JDM)