Project VISITA CASSA (Visitation: to Care and Supervise Students with Absenteeism)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Education’s call/mandate to have zero school drop-outs prove to be a challenging feat for teachers because of the personal realities of students that become factor to the incidence such as family problems, socio-economic status, involvement in fraternities/sororities, and other problems in community. Several interventions have been doneby teachers to ensure that all students graduate. The Camp Vicente Integrated School has an average of 2.8% drop-out rate for the past three years. To eliminate or decrease the high risks of drop-out rate, the researcher came up with the project VISITA CASSA (Visitation: To Care and Supervise students with Absenteeism). Camp Vicente Lim Integrated School in grade 9 level conducted the close monitoring of attendance of thirteen sections. This was done to immediately respond to Department of Education’s call for zero drop-outs.

METHODS

The researchers used the combination of qualitative and quantitative research. Purposive sampling procedure was used in the research. The absentee students and their parents were the samples and the focus of the study. The evaluative tool of surveys and interviews were used among concerned students and parents. Simple computation of percentage was used to determine the drop-out rate.

RESULTS

Based on the result of the study, the top five (5) reasons of absenteeism were Influence of friends, sickness, poverty, family problems and waking up late. Eighty-five (85) out of 610 students committed habitual absenteeism. From the previous year, the drop-out rate was 1.98% but with the implementation of Project VISITA CASSA the drop-out rate of this current year was 0.33%.

DISCUSSIONS

The result could be used by the principal in creating projects for school's Annual Improvement Plan. It is also beneficial on the part of parents or guardian for not wasting time and money if the students will continue their studies and will not drop-out. The teachers and principal will also benefit in the program because zero drop-out rate means more recognition, higher performance rating and realization of Education for All (EFA) goal.