Causes of Truancy among Grade 10 Students: Basis for a Proposed Intervention Program to Address Truancy at Kawas National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Attendance is an important factor in school success among children and youth. Studies show that better attendance is related to higher academic achievement for students of all backgrounds, but particularly for children with lower socio-economic status. Beginning in kindergarten, students who attend school regularly score higher on tests than their peers who are frequently absent. Chronic truancy (frequent unexcused absence) is a strong predictor of undesirable outcomes in adolescence, including academic failure, dropping out of school, substance abuse, gang involvement, and criminal activity.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive research and development method (R&D) and it made use of a researcher-made questionnaire. Percentage and mean was used to treat the data gathered.

RESULTS

It was found out that most of the truant students were boys and were the middle child among their siblings. They were living with two-parent families and most of their parents were on the elementary of their educational attainment. Furthermore, not having any assignment is always the reason why they leave their classes without permission.

DISCUSSIONS

Inasmuch as more number of the parents of the Grade 10 truant students were on the elementary level, it is recommended that a program of activity related to encouraging parents to support the education of their children be made. Parents are found to be the greatest influence in the life of their children, therefore it is suggested that they should not be the instrument in letting their children miss classes in school. Teachers and school administrators should be patient in finding ways and means to motivate children to go to school regularly.