Project RACA: (Reducing Allies for Chronic Absenteeism)a Tool for Reducing Absenteeism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Absenteeism is a wide spread problem found in many schools, there are pupils who usually go absent from school which lead to missed lectures and quizzes and result to low academic performance. Project RACA (Reduction Allies for Chronic Absenteeism) is a tool designed for reducing absenteeism. This proposed project has been made to be able to combat the different facets of absenteeism among pupils. This is a trial and error program only. That is why it was tested with one section and few pupils. At the end of this action research and assessment, the program may be enhanced and reinforced and may be utilized by the whole school as well as with other grade level to reduce the absenteeism prevalence among elementary pupils.

METHODS

Descriptive method and documentary analysis were used. Class attendance records and guide questionnaires were used to assess the effectiveness of the program pertaining to the performance of each pupil. To be able to analyze the data gathered, different statistical tools were used such as percentage and frequency distribution, and weighted mean. Percentage and frequency distribution were used to identify the profile in terms of gender, attendance for the first six week and attendance for the next 6 weeks during implementation of Project RACA program. Weighted mean was used to assess the effectiveness of the Project.

RESULTS

Based on the comparison of attendance before and during implementation of Project RACA Program the average mean of the pupils' number-of-days present was increased by 5.5% during first 6 weeks over the next 6 weeks and an increase of 0.34% standard deviation. The attendance of the pupils increased during the implementation of RACA program which indicated that it enhanced the possibility of encouraging pupils to attend their class efficiently. One major barrier to learning faced by students and teachers in schools today is the lack of consistent attendance in classrooms. The item "RACA program increased academics" got the highest weighted mean of 3.37 followed by the item "incentives were effective in increasing attendance of the pupil" with weighted mean of 3.25 and "have the check-in cards was beneficial" with weighted mean of 3.17 while the least is "effectiveness of the program pertaining to the attendance performance of the pupil" with weighted mean of 3.08 and verbal interpreted as effective.

DISCUSSIONS

The results show that the program can increase academic performance of the pupils subconsciously because being present in the classroom will eventually lead to updated lessons and participation in discussion. The incentives given by the teachers as reward system for pupils who usually attend class is also effective for, they anticipate the rewards. Check in cards is also beneficial for it monitors the performance of the pupils and it can encourage them to attend class since they do not want to have a bad record in the check in card. It has a subconscious effect to the pupils when they saw that they have more absences. Students who are frequently truant often feel disengaged or incompetent when it comes to skills and knowledge. Having effective programs for students at risk will improve attendance and help them grow academically and socially.