Variables Affecting Pupils' Drop-out as Basis for the Development of Drop-out Reduction Program in Lucena North District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

As part of School-Based Management implementation, it is expected that every school should prepare the School Improvement Plan which is being developed and confirmed by all stakeholders (SBM Manual, 2006). In this phase, the students' developments are being monitored and their attendance and participation will highly be noted. On the other hand, through the Drop Out Reduction Program, the school improvement process concerning the development of the School Improvement Model will serve as a guide for the reduction of dropouts in school. School dropout is a complex matter having its many facets and problem. With this scenario, there is a need to design intervention programs to prevent pupils from dropping out. There is then an intense necessity to address this problem so that the schools' internal efficiency will be enhanced. Thus, the variables that trigger the pupils to drop out in school will be identified, quantified and documented. The decision to drop out in school is a process, not an event, where there are so many contributing factors taken into consideration.

METHODS

This study utilized the descriptive-survey and correlation methods of research. Descriptive-survey method was used in identifying the variables affecting of pupils' drop out while correlation method was used to measure the significant degree of agreement among the pupils, parents, and teachers regarding their responses on the causes of dropping out.

RESULTS

It was found out that Family-Related Variables include reasons why pupils stop schooling, these are the responsibility being imposed by parents requiring them to take good care of their younger siblings, frequently allow the children to make absences even without valid reasons, need the help of the children in doing things for their living, and do not have money to be used for school contributions and lastly include the community which is very far from the school.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher strongly recommends the utilization of the proposed Project SHe PARDOs designed by the researcher to save and help PARDOs in finishing their studies. She encourages educational leaders to establish linkages and networks to different non-government agencies like Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (JODA), vendors' association, cooperatives, LGUs, and NGOs for the welfare of the PARDOs and their parents.