Predicting success in teacher education: Revisiting the influence of high school GPA, admission, and standardized test scores on academic and licensure performance

This predictive study explored the influence of three admission variables on the college grade point average (CGPA), and licensure examination ratings of the 2015 teacher education graduates in a state-run university in Northern Philippines. The admission variables were high school grade point average (HSGPA), admission test (IQ) scores, and standardized test (General Scholastic Aptitude - GSA) scores. The participants were from two degree programs – Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEE) and Bachelor in Secondary education (BSE). The results showed that the graduates’ overall HSGPA were in the proficient level, while their admission and standardized test scores were average. Meanwhile, their mean licensure examination ratings were satisfactory, with high (BEE – 80.29%) and very high (BSE – 93.33%) passing rates. In both degree programs, all entry variables were significantly correlated and linearly associated with the CGPAs and licensure examination ratings of the participants. These entry variables were also linearly associated with the specific area GPAs and licensure ratings, except in the specialization area (for BSE). Finally, in both degrees, CGPA and licensure examination ratings were best predicted by HSGPA and standardized test scores, respectively. The implications of these findings on admission policies are herein discussed.