Management of Principals on Zero Dropout Rates in Three Selected National High Schools in Nasugbu, Batangas: Input to a Proposed Action Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the responsibilities of school leaders is to create a positive change in educational policy and processes. One of which is ensuring that students continuously stay in school until they complete their education. The problem in increasing dropout rates cannot be singled out in just one school. The researcher conducted this study to assess the extent of the implementation of the management of principals on zero dropout rates in three selected national High Schools in Nasugbu, Batangas. Several risk factors are considered as probable causes of dropping out and among them, the three most common risk factors are: (1) Parent Engagement; (2) Academic Performance; and (3) Family Economic Needs. This pressing issue still persists that triggers designing of strategic intervention adaptable to present time.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive-comparative study wherein the main instrument was a survey questionnaire. The researcher used weighted mean and ranking to perceive the assessment of respondents on the extent of the implementation methods of management of principals on zero dropout rates in three selected national high schools in Nasugbu, Batangas. Pearson r and T-Test were used to determine the significant differences of the assessment of the respondents and to determine the agreement between the significant differences among respondents.

RESULTS

In the light of the major findings of the study, the respondents in three National High Schools have developed a clear picture of what it will take to prevent dropouts in terms of the different methods of management such as: (1) comprehensive school improvement (2) increasing students' sense of belonging in schools, frequently called "school membership"; and (3) increasing student engagement through meaningful curriculum and effective instruction. There are visible impacts on implementing different forms of management techniques, as well as unobservable effect in some of them.

DISCUSSIONS

How the school leaders will be able to decrease the dropout rate depends on how consistent their efforts are in ensuring the quality of their methods of management on zero dropout rates. Though sharing of information among schools is also a vulnerable factor which may effectively intervene in the reduction of dropouts, the school system as a whole should conduct an on-going and careful review and analysis of their students. Additional studies are encouraged to enable and update each school in the attainment of its goal of zero dropouts.