Volume_6_Issue_2_Digest

13 TPC Digest Read full article and references: Sciarra, D. T., Seirup, H. J., & Sposato, E. (2016). High school predictors of college persistence: The significance of engagement and teacher interaction. The Professional Counselor , 6, 189–202. doi : 10.15241/ds.6.2.189 13 TPC Digest categories: (a) leaver (enrolled after high school but not enrolled in January of 2006, (b) still enrolled in a two-year institution, and (c) still enrolled in a four-year institution. Results showed that the two variables with the greatest predictive value upon persistence were time spent in extracurricular activities and speaking with the math teacher outside of class. Those involved in extracurricular activities on the high school level are more likely to be involved in activities in college, which helps integration into college life, and integration is a major factor in persistence. The same argument can be made about speaking with the math teacher. High school students who speak with their teachers outside of class will have a greater likelihood of doing so on the college level and, in turn, a greater likelihood of persisting in college since interaction with professors is an important factor in persistence. The study implies that counselors working with high school students who wish to increase their chances of persisting in college should encourage participation in extracurricular activities and help students feel comfortable in approaching their teacher for help outside of class, especially with a teacher whose subject matter students might find challenging. For many students, this may be the math teacher and may explain why the present study found that talking to a high school math teacher outside of class positively predicted persistence in college. Daniel T. Sciarra, NCC, is a Professor at Hofstra University. Holly J. Seirup is an Associate Professor at Hofstra University. Elizabeth Sposato is Assistant Director of Career Services at New York Institute of Technology. Correspondence can be addressed to Daniel Sciarra, 160 Hagedorn Hall, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, daniel.t.sciarra@hofstra.edu.