Effective School Activities to Remediate Absenteeism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The CI Project of PEN intended to address the pressing problem of absenteeism that resulted in poor learning outcomes. The record showed on the school form 2, 24 or 10% out of 246 K-3 pupils missed their classes due to absenteeism.

Based on Section 25 and 31 of the Education Act 1989, every school board must take all reasonable steps to make sure students attend school when it is open. Although there are some practical requirements, including maintaining the daily attendance register, it is up to individual schools to identify the scope of all reasonable steps in their attendance policies. School boards must give support when attendance issues arise. It is believed that surmounting this issue will raise the performance of K-3 pupils of PEN.

METHODS

Our Guidance Counselor consolidated the monthly attendance of pupils through the use of SF2 and SF4. We found out that 24 pupils from K-3 constantly made absences for 3 consecutive months. We conducted meetings to orient the parents about the project, got their approval, analyzed and studied the students' background. The CI Team prepared survey forms for parents and pupils. Aside from parents and pupils, teachers were also interviewed as part of getting the voice of the customer.

RESULTS

Based on the analysis of interviews and questionnaires conducted, the leading causes of pupil's absenteeism identified by the CI team were using mono teaching and strategies in teaching and limited reading materials. The CI team formulated solutions to address the root causes to ensure that the target specified in the objective would be achieved within a period of three months. These were mentoring and coaching workshops and in-service training of teachers, teacher-parent made materials and launching of Project READ (Read Enjoy and Discover). Through the activities are undertaken, the pupils have improved their academic performance, developed good attendance as a habit that the children need to form cooperation and teamwork.

The number of absenteeism decreased by 3 or 1.21 % from 24 or 10% K-3 pupils of Paaralang Elementarya ng Nagsaulay by January 2017.

DISCUSSIONS

PEN combated absenteeism, created active participation of pupils, established pupils' rapport in the classroom and developed a sense of gregariousness. We believed that the way to achieve your target is to be protean and discern the value of commitment and teamwork. We need continuous monitoring and evaluation for future steps and sustainability.