Project " Basura Mo, Sagot Sa Baon Ko:" a Tool in Improving the Daily Attendance of Less Fortunate Grade Six Pupils of Santa Cruz Elementary School, Santa Cruz, Laguna

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

With the guidelines set forth by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation anchored to Republic Act No. 10533 and the need to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), student attendance has become a main focus. Therefore, early interventions with students who are at risk for dropping out of school will have a positive impact on student attendance. The purpose of this action research is to give ways on how to improve students' attendance through the project "Basura Mo, Sagot Sa BaonKo" , a project initiated by YES-O, aim to lessen the absenteeism among less fortunate pupils. The need to keep students in school and off the streets is imperative and equally important in getting high percentage in the classroom's daily attendance as reflected in SF2.Hence, finding ways to keep students in school is vitally and equally important to students and to the community. After reviewing the literature on class attendance, the researcher, decided to administer the project to combat the problem of absenteeism. Being connected with the project's incentives was the promising method used in similar school settings to decrease student absences.

METHODS

The close monitoring of pupils' profile from grade 6 of different sections was held. It was found outthat some of our pupils do not attend classes due to financial constraint. Hence, the daily class attendance was duly affected. To get along with the present situation, the organization did something with the trash found in the vicinity. The trash, specifically empty bottles, cartons, used white papers are collected every Thursday by the organization then sold on Fridays. The proceeds are given to the less fortunate pupils for their allowance so they will be able to attend classes every day. The collectionof trash was started early summer of 2018. Beneficiaries of the project are receiving Php25.00 everyday to be used for their snacks and transportation allowances.

RESULTS

Research suggests strategy available to tackle the problem of student attendance. The Project "Basura Mo, Sagot Sa Baon Ko " is a program originally designed to increase daily attendance and assist grade school students with learning and behavioral concerns by engaging students in school's project. .This intervention provides opportunities for students to check in with the adviser on a regular basis. Absences declined from 83% to 30% for those involved in the program for at least 5 months. About 98% of the students are still engaged in the project. This method did not directly report effects on dropout rates but did indicate students were better equipped to handle problem about daily school attendance.

DISCUSSIONS

There are many different reasons why students do not make it to school each day. Most research emphasizes four main circumstances for poor attendance. The main components are family factors and economic influences, Family factors include the lack of knowledge regarding the laws of attendance, and issues regarding financials. These home factors consist of poor rapport between teachers, students and their families. In some instances, schools lack consistent attendance policies and meaningful consequence. Effective communication is imperative to ensure students attend school on a regular basis. Having effective programs for students at risk will improve attendance and help them academically and socially. The researcher believes that the project initiated will be of great help to these needy pupils to increase their attendance.