Increasing attendance in Grades I and II Pupils of Antonio Yu Carcel Primary School through "Lakad ko, Kinabukasan Mo" (My Steps towards Your Future) intervention

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Absenteeism is commonly a problem in school. It has an impact on the learning of a child. Going to school regularly is vital in the learning of a child. Most learners who are always absent are left behind compared to those learners who are always present. In this research we will understand the reasons why pupils do not attend classes and find solutions to minimize the problem.

METHODS

The participants of this study were chosen by selective-purposive sampling. Based on Daily Attendance Sheets for the month of January, pupils who are perennially absent were identified. The researchers counted the number of absences of all pupils, and then classified them into either: Always Present with 75%-100%, Frequently Present with 50%-74%, and Sometimes Present with 25%-49%, Rarely Present with 1%-25%. Pupils classified as Sometimes Present were picked as respondents. The researchers found that out of 15 Grade I pupils, three were identified as Sometimes Present and out of 3 Grade II pupils one was classified as Sometimes Present. Thus, four respondents were identified.

RESULTS

The recurring factors affecting perennial absences of research participants were parental support (4) and social competence in class (4). In the past decades, the benefits of parent and other family members' involvement in children's education have been well-documented. Although it is not the only factor that affects student learning, 30 years of research consistently linked family involvement to higher student achievement, better attitudes toward school, lower dropout rates, increased attendance, among other positive outcomes (Henderson & Mapp, 2002). The intervention entitled Lakad Ko, Kinabukasan Mo (My Steps Towards Your Future) improved the percentage of attendance of identified pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings suggest that "Lakad Ko, Kinabukasan Mo" intervention can increase the attendance of learners as manifested by their more frequent attendance after the intervention. Home visits to chronically absent children help. A home family liaison who identifies root causes for children not coming to school should also be provided. Teachers could further adopt the intervention to increase the attendance of learners especially those who definitely find it hard to cope in school.