Classroom-Based Attendance Enhancement Strategy in Reducing Drop-out Rates and Absenteeism among Grade One Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Absenteeism in school is the habit of staying away from school without providing a genuine reason for not attending classes. It is a truant behavior that negatively affects the performance among pupils. This study is an overture of the classroom-based attendance enhancement strategy to prevent student absenteeism which may later lead to student drop-out. Specifically, it seeks to provide answers to the common reasons for being absent in class. Also, it aims to know the pupils and parents' perception of the significance of school attendance. A plan of action is also proposed to enhance the pupils’ attendance and prevent drop-outs due to absenteeism.

METHODS

This study dwells into the stats of absenteeism of the 51 Grade One learners. It leads to a preventive classroom-based plan of action for enhancing pupils' attendance. Different strategies are used to reduce the absenteeism of the pupils such as attendance monitoring, enhancing school culture and community, increasing student engagement, mentoring pupils for academic success, parent, family outreach and partnerships, home visits, giving rewards, establishing good communication with parents, and referring chronically absent pupils to counselors.

RESULTS

Based on the results, financial problems, waking up late, and family problems are the top three reasons for absenteeism. In terms of pupils' perception of attendance, the top answers are: it will make me learn more, it will make my grades high, and it will affect my grades. In terms of parents' perception of the significance of attendance, these include: it will make my child learn new lessons, it affects my child's grades, and it may cause my child's failing grades. After using the different strategies to improve attendance, all in 98% of the pupils are attending classes regularly and 98% of the parents are supporting their children's positive school attendance.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings show that the common reason for pupils' absences is very personal such as financial problem, waking up late, and family problems. In terms of the pupils and parents' perception of attendance, they believed that their children's attendance at school is important. As a result of the plan of action and strategies used, the pupils are now aware of their attendance and they see to it that they attend classes regularly. Ensuring the research project’s continuity and sustainability were deemed necessary. Also, this can be applied to other grade levels to support pupils' attendance and combat absenteeism.