Abstract
Parental influence is a significant factor in shaping the educational and career trajectories of Senior High School (SHS) graduates, particularly in their selection of curriculum exits. While prior research highlights the general role of parents in education, limited studies have explored how specific parental profiles—such as socio-economic status, educational attainment, employment status, family structure, and attitudes—affect SHS graduates' post-secondary decisions. This study investigated the relationship between these parental characteristics and the chosen curriculum exits of SHS graduates in the Third Congressional District of Quezon, explicitly focusing on pathways such as higher education, middle-level skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed using a researcher-developed, expert-validated, and pilot-tested survey questionnaire. A total of 1,200 SHS graduates participated in the study. Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, and Chi-Square tests to determine significant associations. Findings revealed that parental education, socio-economic status, and family structure had a statistically significant influence on students' curriculum exit choices. Students whose parents attained higher education levels were more likely to pursue college, while those from low-income or single-parent households were inclined toward employment or middle-level skills development. These results underscore the critical role of parental background in shaping students’ futures. The study recommends implementing career guidance programs that actively engage parents, helping families make informed decisions aligned with their children’s goals. Equitable support systems are essential to empower both students and parents in navigating available post-secondary pathways.
