Problem Assessment of Learners At-Risk of Dropping Out (LARDO): Basis for School Dropout Reduction Program for Quezon National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Education is one of the necessities of modern society's access to wealth as well as social well-being. It is no secret that a good education has the power to change a life. However, the problem on chronic absenteeism which results in dropping out has risen over a long period of time nationally and internationally. Thus, school administrators, together with the teachers, parents, and community, can ameliorate the dropout problem if they can mobilize the necessary resolve.

METHODS

The researcher used the mixed-method sequential explanatory design. This study involved two groups of respondents. The first group was composed of 60 respondents who had been habitual absentees. The second group for the focus group discussion was composed of two repeaters, two "balik-aral”, and two dropouts. This study utilized a descriptive survey questionnaire to identify the demographic profile and problems of the learners at-risk of dropping out. The researcher analyzed the data gathered and conducted interviews through focus group discussion which provide insights into the richness of this research.

RESULTS

The most prevalent problem encountered by the respondent is individual-related factor in which most of them agreed that they pay more interest to earn rather than to learn. In family-related factor, it was also concluded that disputes within family greatly affect their interest to continue schooling. High unemployment was also found as one of the primary reasons why students dropout from school. The study also revealed that most of the learners at-risk of dropping out experienced lack of encouragement to continue schooling. Thus, family, school, and community play vital role in shaping the attitude of the learners towards education. The school, as one of the causal elements on learners' development, is indicative to perform essential measures that have direct influence on learners' decision on continuing their education.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrated the need of a functional intervention program that will address the problems of the students and definitely alleviate the increasing rate of student dropout. The program will facilitate better understanding of oneself toward self-direction; provide deeper insights on various aspects in life and develop students' potentialities; and work closely with school administrators, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders in order to get a wide picture of students' problems, difficulties, and concerns for proper interventions.