Count Me in Everyday (CoME) Project: An Intervention in Addressing Absenteeism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The success of the school in carrying out its primary charge of educating and socializing students is contingent on students attending school regularly. In recognition of the importance of regular school attendance to quality education, attendance becomes a priority goal (At-Risk Youth in CrisisHandbook,1993).

Learners need to meet the number of days required in school for their holistic development. Yet, it cannot be denied that chronic absenteeism exists among school learners.

Chronic absentee students are placed at a disadvantage both socially and academically. They miss out on critical stages of social interaction, peer development with a negative impact on their academic progress. This will lead to low self-esteem, social isolation and dissatisfaction. According to the (Marburger, 2001) states that difficulty inferring the effect of absenteeism on performance because once a student is absent in a class he or she may miss the opportunity of learning other techniques. He found that the missing in class progress the likelihood of missing examination material covered that day compared to the learners who were present in the class.

The existence of ten frequently absent pupils from Kindergarten to Grade V of San Jose Elementary School caught the attention of the researcher to conduct research-based intervention to note the root causes and a viable threat to this pressing problem on absenteeism.

METHODS

This study presents the research design, research sampling, data collection, ethical issues and plan for data analysis.

RESULTS

The results of this study demonstrated that using many interventions increase pupil's attendance was effective in reducing the number of absences for the members of the group. The study found that using feeding, awards and recognition, especially the use of daily check-in log increased attendance, improved academics, and created a sense of belongingness.

After the five-week intervention, thirty percent of the pupils increased attendance during the action research.

DISCUSSIONS

The students were motivated by using these interventions. The review of the literature indicates there are many facets of pupils absenteeism with many different strategies used to fight the problem. The pupils also discussed how the check-in made them feel special and proud.