Project Katok Pasok: An Approach to Keep Sardos in School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the success indicators of an educational institution is the achievement level of its students. This action research aims to address the frequent absenteeism committed by the students of Malaking Pook National High School which when neglected can greatly affect the school's performance indicator particularly the dropout rate. It is anchored on the targets of Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), (DO.74, s 2010) which aims to reach out to every learner particularly those students at risk of dropping out (SARDO) and keep them in school to perform well and contribute to the achievement of zero drop-out rate.

METHODS

The researchers utilized the descriptive qualitative method of research. The record of attendance in the previous school year was used to identify the students who recorded a number of absences exceeding the standard 10% of the 201-total number of school days during the SY 2016-2017 and are identified as Students at Risk of Dropping Out (SARDOs). Preparation of questionnaires and administering it to the student-respondents were conducted which became the basis of plans and action to strongly motivate students to regularly attend classes.

RESULTS

Seven (7) out of 47 students of Grade 10 Bonifacio class had recorded 20-50 absences which exceeded the standard 10% of the 201-total number of school days during the SY 2016-2017 and are identified as Students at Risk of Dropping Out (SARDOs). The frequency of responses made by the students and their parents about the factors affecting frequent absences of the students reveals that students failed to come to school and attend classes due to sickness which has 6 responses and ranks number 1. Minor diseases identified from the respondents include headache, dysmenorrhea and mild ulcer. It is followed by taking care of younger siblings, waking up late, peer influence and lack of allowance which all recorded 2 responses each and thus rank 3.5 out of the 5 factors identified.

DISCUSSIONS

Project Katok-Pasok which involved strict monitoring of the attendance process also included a plan for the conduct and implementation of different interactive activities and training for students which will strongly motivate them to regularly come to school and be productive individuals as students. Constant implementation, as well as the cooperation of concerned individuals, would achieve the goal possible, thus, providing positive results in the school's performance indicators particularly the zero drop-outs.