Advanced placement programs and the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

The transition from secondary education to post-secondary education is problematic for many students. Attrition rates at post-secondary institutions, with the attendant loss of human capital, continue to be a source of concern. This case study concerned the transition of students from secondary education to post-secondary education and was conducted during 2010 and 2011 in southwestern Manitoba. In particular, this transition was examined from the perspective of current university students who had taken Advanced Placement courses in high school. Findings from the study shed light on aspects of the educational landscape that were influential to the participants during this period in their lives. In the process the findings reveal potential reasons for the high levels of attrition currently experienced. The findings suggest that the overwhelming majority of the participants experienced a successful transition to university. The participants felt that this was in large part due to the content of their AP courses, and also due to being exposed to challenges that were similar in nature to those they could expect at university. The dynamics of the learning environment at both levels of education were found to be instrumental in the development of the participants, both in a positive and a negative direction. In general the findings suggest that the pedagogical philosophies of the two levels of education are not consistent and the degree of articulation between the two levels of education is not sufficient to ensure a smooth transition. Recommendations for improving the articulation between the two levels of education are included. Changes on both sides of the transition appear to be necessary in order to reduce the difficulties that are currently experienced by students.