Towards Strengthening Project DEAR (Drop Out Elimination Action and Response)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research was conducted to determine the factors affecting drop-out cases among students of Lipa City National High School in order to better address the needs of students experiencing such problem. Once these factors were singled out, understood, and analysed, issues may be addressed carefully and immediate measures may be applied to reduce, if not totally eliminate drop-out cases. Likewise, it also focused on the use of intervention material to address the problem. Eventually, this would result in better performance not only of the students-at-risk of dropping-out but more so of the school and the teachers alike.

METHODS

This research made use of case study. Qualitative research approach through survey method was employed. It sought to find the different factors leading to drop-out cases among students. A questionnaire was used to gather data. The data were retrieved, tallied, statistically treated and interpreted. This study is limited to the responses gathered among students-at-risk of dropping out of Lipa City National High School SY 2017-2018.

RESULTS

Several factors affect drop-out cases among students of Lipa City National High School. Family Problem, Lack of Care, Parents' lack of Education, Poor Economic Situation, Negative Behavior towards Schooling, Peer Pressure, Early Marriage, EnvironmentalFactor, and Child Labor are among the factors influencing respondents to drop-out of school.

DISCUSSIONS

The result presented many reasons for students dropping out and the dropping out process began mostly in junior high school when students are going through many physical, emotional, and social changes. Junior High School teachers need to be more aware of these changes and the effects they have on the students in many ways. If more time and energy are put into the needs of these students and their unique situations are taken into account in daily interactions with them, we may be able to reduce the drop-out rate significantly. We may also have an environment that promotes positive regard or positive discipline for all students. Students are often thought of as young adults and expected to be more emotionally mature when they are probably even more fragile. If identifying areas of special needs and providing ideas for junior high school to promote a philosophy without stifling the students' ability to grow and mature can be balanced and accomplished, students can be spared the difficulties that dropping out of school causes.