Heart and Hand Extended for Learners' Progress (HELP) Program in Calamba Integrated School, Division of Calamba City: Implication to Dropout Rate and Students' Academic Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This paper aimed to identify Students at Risk of Dropping Out (SARDOs), pinpoint factors why students leave school, and determine whether the Heart and Hand Extended for Learners " ̃Progress (HELP) program can provide a viable way to prevent SARDOs.

METHODS

The study used Descriptive Method. There were 44 students and 11 advisers involved in the research. Self-made Questionnaire was used in order to find out the hindering factors in attending classes regularly such as domestic related factors, individual related factors, geographical/environmental related factors, school related factors, and financial related factors, meanwhile, the interventions were administered to save SARDOS.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that the main reason why students leave school is caused by the individual-related factor. Home visitations and conferences with parents are the interventions most administered by the teachers to save SARDOs. All learners who have undergone HELP program were promoted in their grade level based on SF5 and SF10.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the result, the HELP program promoted widespread access to learning and provided valuable guidance for making students stay effectively in school. However, since the research used SARDOs only in the Calamba Integrated School, effectiveness of the HELP program may vary in other areas.