ABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of absenteeism on Senior High School Students at Nasugbu East Senior High School. A phenomenological research designed was employed in this study, which involved five (5) participants using a convenient sampling method.
Participants revealed that the investigation that the effects of absenteeism are lack of knowledge, lack of learning engagement, lack of the financial and health issues. They also stated that underlying reason for the high rate of absenteeism are personal problem such as health, lack of communication, financial problem and lack of knowledge of different subject. The influence of absenteeism on the relationship of students and teachers are difficulties in classroom management and deviation of goals.
Moreover, the researchers recommended that the teachers should encourage to maintain open communication with their colleagues and supervisors regarding absences. The Principals should encourage to actively support teachers in managing absenteeism by providing essential resources and guidance. Businesses should advise to develop and communicate clear attendance policies.
Keywords: chronic absenteeism, truancy, excused absence
INTRODUCTION
According to (Henry et al., 2012) lower scores or test results, continuous absences from school are strongly linked to academic loss for older teenagers. These pupils are more likely to be suspended and to drop out of high school if the absences mount up. Here are many causes that can contribute to students missing school, such as lack family or school support, a lack of community support, bad weather, etc. The most frequently mentioned issue about the impact of absenteeism on academic achievement is that students struggle and eventually drop their courses as a result of missing classes and learning activities. These factors involve peer groups, social and economic status of families, medical issues, busy schedules, insufficient social activities, uncomfortable school atmosphere, and lack of involvement from parents.
The term "absenteeism" in the context of students describes a prolonged or regular absence from lessons or school. It happens when students consistently miss class without a good reason or take more time off than is permitted. Student absence can have a major effect on their general well-being, social development, and academic achievement. Student absences from school can be caused by a number of things. Health problems, family emergencies, trouble with transportation, and disengagement or lack of desire are a few examples of these factors. Aside from it, outside factors like peer pressure, bullying, and difficult home environments can also contribute to absenteeism. Students' academic development may be adversely affected by the repercussions of their absences. For students to actively participate in class activities and engage with teachers, regular attendance is essential.
METHODOLOGY
This chapter represents the methods of research design, locale and participants of the study, research instrument, construction and validation of instruments, ethical considerations, data gathering procedures, and data analysis.
Research Design
This study used Qualitative Research Approach - semi structured interviews, purposive sampling method, and thematic analysis.
Locale of the Study
The study was conducted at Nasugbu East Senior High School located at Brgy. Lumbangan, Nasugbu, Batangas. It was established in the year 2024. The school is headed by Principal II, with forty-four (44) teachers and ten (10) non-teaching staff. It has a total population of one thousand two hundred seventy nine (1,279) enrolled students consisting of grades 11 and 12. There is a total population of two hundred and seventy nine (279) students in Grade 12 Humss this School Year 2024-2025. The school offers academics that include Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS) strand, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand, and Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood Track (TVL).
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of our study will be five (5) teachers which ages are ideally from 30 to 35 yrs. old teaching at Nasugbu East Senior High school.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the data gathered analysis and interpretation to answer the problem which this study aims to achieve.
THE EFFECTS OF ABSENTEEISM IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Table 1: The Effects of Absenteeism in Academic Performance
| R1 | “Ang pagliban sa mga mag aaral sa senior high school sa paksa ng cures ay maaring maging makabuluhan ang pag unlad ng pinag aaral ng kinder ay nangyayari kapag ang mga mag aaral ay lumiban sa klase ito ay nawawalan ng mahahalagang pagtuturo, pagpapaliwanag ng talakayan, mga mula sa pag unawa sa kaalaman sa pag unawa ay maaring maging mahirap sa bawat mag aaral na makasama sa mga kurikulum at gumanap ng mahusay na pag babasa.” {“The absence of senior high school students in the subject of cures can be significant in the development of the kinder students. It happens when students are absent from class, it is missing important teaching, explanation of discussion, lessons. In understanding knowledge comprehension can make it difficult for every student to engage with the curriculum and perform well in reading.”} |
| R2 | “Mayroong ibat ibang kadahilanan kung gayon maaari talagang makaimpluwensya sa mga rate ng pagliban mga kadahilanan ay mga isyu sa kalusugan sabihin nating ang mag aaral na ito ay nakikitungo sa talamak na kalagayan kaya maaring mas mataas ang mga rate ng pagliban dahil sa medical na oppo internet sa tabi ng mayroong kaming responsibilidad sa pamilya doon parehong mga magaaral kaysa sa matake na magtrabaho uoang suportahan ang mga pamilya doon ang isa pa ay magly isyu sa transportasyon at inaakusahan ang stress na may kaugnayan sa pag aaral.”{“There are different factors then that can really influence the absence rates factors are health issues let's say this student is dealing with chronic conditions so the absence rates may be higher due to medical oppo internet in besides we have responsibilities to the family there both students rather than work to support the families there the other is magly issue with transportation and accused of stress related to studies.”} |
| R3 | “Ang mga mag aaral ng shs ay madalas na lumiliban sa mga klase sa ibat ibang dahilan kabilang ang pagkakasakit, mga emergency sa pamilya mga extracurricular commitment mga isyu sa transportasyon kawalan ng motibasyon at mga personal na problema.” {“SHS students often miss classes for various reasons including illness, family emergencies, extracurricular commitments, transportation issues, lack of motivation and personal problems.”} |
| R4 | “Ang mga sumusunod na salik ay mga isyu sa kalusugan kubg sila ay may mahinang kalusugan o pagkakaroon ng talamak na sakit ito ay isang salik ibang mga responsibilidad sa pamilya. Ang mga sumusunod na salik ay mga isyu sa kalusugan kubg sila ay may mahinang kalusugan o pagkakaroon ng talamak na sakit ito ay isang salik ibang mga responsibilidad sa pamilya. “{“The following factors are health issues if they have poor health or have a chronic illness this is a factor other family responsibilities.”} |
| R5 | “Ito ay negatibong epekto sa interaksyon ng mga mag aaral na nababawasan ang mga pagkakataon sa pag aaral kapag wala ito ay maaring makabawas sa pakikipagugnayan sa stren na relasyon may kahirapan sa pagtatasa ng pagunlad.” {“It has a negative effect on the interaction of students that reduces learning opportunities when it is not there it can reduce the interaction in the strained relationship with difficulty in assessing progress.”} |
Interpretation for table 1: All responses of the participants are about lack of knowledge in subjects and lack of learning engagement. Table 1 shows the effects of absenteeism in academic performance of senior high school students. Two (2) directly expressed that lack of knowledge is affected by absenteeism while one (1) said that lack of learning engagement is also affected. The rest (2) indirectly said their opinion.
This statement was related to the study of Koppen Haver (2003), which stated that absenteeism in studies affects their school performance especially when they are in a group or teamwork for their assignments and projects. Since the grouping will help develops the students cooperative and ability to share and gain knowledge from their group mates. Likewise, group mates will also miss the opportunity of gaining or learning knowledge from students who are absent.
Table 2: Impact of Personal Circumstances on Absenteeism Rates
| R1 | “Ang pagliban ay maaring magkaroon ng malaking epekto pag-unlad ng pagkatuto ng mga sa mga mag-aaral ng shs asignatura kapag ang mga mag aaral ay lumiban sa paaralan.” {“Absenteeism on the students learning can have a significant impact learning progress of SHS absent from school. They miss out Instruction, discussion, and on Students are valuable classroom activities that are essential.”} |
| R2 | “Ang mga personal na kalagayan ay maaring maka impluwensya sa mga rate ng pagliban sa mga mag aaral ng SHS sa pamamagitan ng mga salik tulad ng mga kahirapan sa transportasyon at mga hamon sa socio economic.” {“Personal circumstances can influence absentee rates among SHS students through factors such as health issues family responsibilities transportation difficulties and socio economic challenges.”} |
| R3 | “Ang mga mag-aaral sa senior high school ay maaring lumiban sa klase sa ibat ibang dahilan ang mga ito ay maaaring mag dala ng mga panloob na hamon tulad ng isang krisis sa pamilya o sa mga isyu sa kalusugan at panggigipit ng mga mag aaral.” {“Students in their senior year of high school may miss class for various reasons. These can be internal challenge like a family crisis or issues with health and peer pressure may also have an impact on student’s decision to frequently skip their class.”} |
| R4 | “Ang mga sumusunod na salik ay mga isyu sa kalusugan kung sila ay may mahinang kalusugan o pagkakaroom ng talamak na sakit.ito ay isang salik ibanv mga responsibilidad sa pamilya.” {“The following factors are health issues id they have poor health or having chonic illness it is one factoe another family responsibilities.”} |
| R5 | “Kasama sa epekto ng pagliban sa interaksyon ng guro mag aaral sa SHS ang pagbabawas ng mga pagkakataon sa pag aaral pagbaba ng pag ganap sa akademiko at paghina ng relasyon ng guro sa pag aaral.” {“`The effect of absenteeism on teacher student interaction in SHS include reduce learning opportunities decreased academic performance and weekend teacher and student relationship.”} |
Interpretation for Table 2:
All responses of the participants are about lack of knowledge, lack of financial and health issues. Table 2 shows the impact of personal circumstances on absenteeism rates. Three (3) directly expressed lack of knowledge because there is a big impact on the development of the students of the SHS subject when the students are absent from school while the rests said about lack of financial and health issues. This statement was related to the study of Hearman (2011), which stated that absenteeism from school is a problem that impacts the social, emotional and educational development of the children. Previous studies reported among factors contributed to this phenomenon were teaching method, competency of the teacher and student-teacher interaction weekend scheduled classes and graded assignment completion.
THE UNDERLYING REASON FOR THE HIGH RATE OF ABSENTEEISM AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Table 3: Factors behind Students Frequent Absenteeism
| R1 | Ang pagliban ay gumaganap ng isang mahalagang bahagi sa epekto ng pag unload ng pagkatuto ng mga mag aaral ang madalas na pagliban sa paaralan ay nagiging sanhi ng mga mag aaral na mawalan ng mahalagang oras sa pagtuturo at maaaring mag iwan ng mga puwang sa kanilang kaalaman sa mahahalagang paksa ang pag gambala sa pag aaral na dulot ng mga pagliban na ito ay nag papahirap sa mga mag aaral na panatilihin kasabay ng mabilis na mga kurikulum. Ang mga personal na kalagayan ng mga mag aaral ay may malaking epekto sa mga rate ng pag liban sa senior high school. Maraming possibleng daluhan kung bakit lumiliban ang mga klase sa senior high school kakulangan ng motibasyon pareho ng mga mag aaral na nakakaramdam ng diss engage o motivated, personal na isyu doon ay nahaharap sa personal na hamon tulad ng mga problema sa pamilya mga isyu sa kalusugan ng isip o mga kahirapan sa relasyon, ang impluwensya ng takot mula sa mga takot na nag papanatili ng mga klase ay maaari din maging epekto. akademikong pakiki baka kapag sila ay mat takot sa pag ka bigo, mga isyu sa kalusugan pisikal na kalusugan o cleanliness ang mga mag aaral sa lalawigan na regular na pumasok sa klase, kakulangan ng suporta sa isang taga suporta o miss na naiintindihan ng mga guro o mga takot,transportasyon issue at marami pang iba kaya ito ang posibling dahilan kung bakit namimiss classes. {“Absenteeism plays an important part in the unloading effect of students' learning. Frequent absences from school cause students to lose valuable instructional time and can leave gaps in their knowledge of important subjects the disruption to learning caused by these absences makes it difficult for students to keep up with fast-paced curricular. Student personal circumstances have a significant impact on senior high school absentee rates, lack of motivation both students who feel disengaged or motivated, personal there are facing personal challenges such as family problems mental health issues or relationship difficulties, the influence of fear from the fears that maintain the classes can also be an effect, academic struggle when day have fear of figure, health issues physical health of cleanliness make province students from attending classes regularly, lack of support an supported or miss understood by teacher of fears, transportation issues and many more so they are possible reason why this senior high school miss classes.”} |
| R2 | “Ang mga personal na kalagayan ng mga mag aaral ay may malaking epekto sa mga rate ng pag liban sa senior high school {“Student personal circumstances have a significant impact on senior high school absentee rates”} |
| R3 | Maraming possibleng daluhan kung bakit lumiliban ang mga klase sa senior high school 1)kakulangan ng motibasyon pareho ng mga mag aaral na nakakaramdam ng diss engage o motivated(lack of motivation both students who feel diss engaged or motivated) 2) personal na isyu doon ay nahaharap sa personal na hamon tulad ng mga problema sa pamilya mga isyu sa kalusugan ng isip o mga kahirapan sa relasyon(personal issues there are facing personal challenges such as family problems mental health issues or relationship difficulties) 3) ang impluwensya ng takot mula sa mga takot na nag papanatili ng mga klase ay maaari din maging epekto(the influence of fear from the fears that maintain the classes can also be an effect) 4) akademikong pakiki baka kapag sila ay mat takot sa pag ka bigo (academic struggle when day have fear of figure) 5) mga isyu sa kalusugan pisikal na kalusugan o clinnicillness ang mga mag aaral sa lalawigan na regular na pumasok sa klase(health issues physical health of clinnicillness make province students from attending classes regularly 6)kakulangan ng suporta sa isang taga suporta o miss na naiintindihan ng mga guro o mga takot(lack of support an supported or miss understood by teacher of fears) 7) transportasyon issue at marami pang iba kaya ito ang posibling dahilan kung bakit namimiss classes?(transportation issues and many more so they are possible reason why this senior high school miss classes) |
| R4 | maraming Mga bagay Ang nakakatulong na natumaas na rate ng pag liban sa Mga estudyante sa senior high school.( Numerous factors contribute to the high absentee rate among senior high school. |
| R5 | “Kapag Ang mag aaral ay madalas lumiban ay Ang Mga guro ay maaring mahirapan na mag katuro ng isang pare parehong kaugnayan sa kanila ito ay maaring mag resulta sa kakukangan ng kumunikasyon at hindi Rin nag karoon ng pag kakataong makilala Ang isat isa” {“When student are frequently absent teachers mAy struggle to stablish consistent rapport with them this may result in lack of communication and also didn't have a chance to meet each other”} |
Interpretation for Table 3:
All participants’ responses are about personal problems such as health, family, or financial problems. Table 3 shows the factors behind the student’s frequent absenteeism. Three (3) directly express personal problem such as health because it can affect the academic performance of senior high school students. Two (2) directly expressed the financial problem because it may result not have a chance to expand the knowledge.
This statement was related to the study of Merriam Webster (2002), absenteeism is a chronic absence. In the context of the school. School absenteeism is an alarming problem for administrators, teachers, parents, society in general, and pupils in particular. Unaccepted absences have negative effect on peer relationships, which can causes further absences.
Table 4: Factors Influencing High Absenteeism Rates
| R1 | kapag Ang mag aaral ay madalas lumiban ay Ang Mga guro ay maaring mahirapan na mag karuon ng isang pare parehong kaugnayan sa kanila ito ay maaring mag resulta sa kakukalangan ng kumunikasyon at hindi Rin nag karoon ng pag kakataong makilala Ang isat isa.( When student are frequently absent teachers mAy struggle to stablish consistent rapport with them this may result in lack of communication and also didn't have a chance to meet each other) |
| R2 | Ang mga personal na kalagayan ay lubos na nakakaapekto o nakaka implowensya sa mga rate ng panliban ng mga mag-aaral (student personal circustances have significant impact on senior high school absentee rates.) |
| R3 | ang ilan sa mga mag aaral sa sinior high school ay madalas na lumiban sa klase, dahil sa problema sa pananalapi, kawalan oh pag kawalan o pag kawalan ng interes na pumasok sa klase may sakit, o kung minsan ay kung ang mag aaral ay nag tatrabaho. (Same of the senior high school students frequently min clases, due to finacia problem, lack or luss of interest in attending the class, sick or sometimes Is if the students is working.) Pinansyal at personal na panlipunan. (Financial and personal choice.) Ang panliban ay maaring maapektohan at magresulta sa mababang akademikong pag ganap ng mga mag aaral sa pangunahing asignatura. (Absenteeism may effect and result to low academic performance of students in care subjecte.) |
| R4 | Pinansyal at personal na panlipunan. (Financial and personal choice.) |
| R5 | Ang panliban ay maaring maapektohan at magresulta sa mababang akademikong pag ganap ng mga mag aaral sa pangunahing asignatura. (Absenteeism may effect and result to low academic performance of students in core subjects.) |
Interpretation for Table 4.
All participants’ responses are about lack of communication, personal issues, financial problem, and lack of knowledge in different subject. Table 4 shows the factors influencing high absenteeism rates. One (1) directly expressed lack of communication because it may result not have the chance to know each other. One (1) directly stated personal issues that influence the high rate absenteeism among senior high school students. Two (2) directly expressed financial problem. One (1) directly stated that lack of knowledge in different subject that resullt to low academic performance of the students in their core subjects.
This statement was related to the study of Malcolm et al. (2003), which stated that teachers identified the effects of absenteeism on the children as; academic under-achievement, difficulty in making friends which could lead to boredom and loss of confidence; prolonged absence can have deleterious effects for the child in later life; students who are absent from school are the greatest risk of dropping out of school early.
THE INFLUENCE OF ABSENTEEISM ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Table 5: The Impact of Absenteeism on Teacher-Student interactions in School
| R1 | Ang pagliban ay humahadlang sa proseso ng pagkatuto sa mga mag-aaral. {Absenteeism hinders the learning process among students.} |
| R2 | Ang mga personal na bagay ay may malaking epekto sa tagal at tindi ng pagliban ng isang estudyante. {Personal matters have a big impact in the duration and intensity of absenteeism of a student.} |
| R3 | Dahil sa personal na kalagayan o pinansyal. {Due to personal circumstances or financial} |
| R4 | Pinansyal at personal na pagpipilian. { Financial and personal choice} |
| R5 | Ito ay humahadlang sa tagumpay ng proseso ng pagtuturo at pagkatuto Nasugbu East Senior High. {It hinders the success of the teaching and learning process Nasugbu East Senior High} |
Interpretation of Table 5
All responses of the participants are difficulties in classroom management and deviation of goals. Table 5 shows the impact of absenteeism on teacher-student interactions in school. Two (2) directly expressed difficulties in classroom management while three (3) directly expressed deviation of goals. In general, the Impact of absenteeism on teacher-student interactions in school caused problems in classroom management and unattainable goals.
This statement related to the study of Roza (2007), which stated that the teaching profession has a higher rate of teacher absenteeism for personal and sick days than any other profession. Her research, focused on teacher contracts, shows that teachers are absent from their classroom more than other employees in professional settings. This coast districts more because they have to allot money substitute teachers. The findings show that due to strict teacher contract provisions, particularly eight specific provisions which includes sick and personal day allotments, funds are not available for other uses such us developing ways to improve student achievement.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions were drawn.
1. Most of all participant’s answers on the effects of absenteeism are lack of knowledge, lack of learning engagement, lack of the financial and health issues.
2. Most of all participant’s answers on the underlying reason for the high rate of absenteeism are personal problem such as health, lack of communication, financial problem and lack of knowledge of different subject.
3. Most of all participant’s answers on the influence of absenteeism on the relationship of students and teachers are difficulties in classroom management and deviation of goals.
RECOMMENDATIONS
From the preceding conclusions the following recommendation are offered by the researchers.
1. Teachers should encourage to maintain open communication with their colleagues and supervisors regarding absences. Keeping the relevant parties informed in advance and providing necessary documentation when needed helps ensure smooth operations and mutual understanding.
2. Principals should encourage to actively support teachers in managing absenteeism by providing essential resources and guidance. This support helps teachers address their absences effectively and fosters a nurturing work environment.
3. Teachers and administrators should advise to develop and communicate clear attendance policies. Establishing a comprehensive attendance policy that outlines expectations, consequences, and procedures for reporting absences promotes transparency and helps ensure consistency in the workplace.
KEYWORDS
These are the conceptual and operational definitions of the following words and phrases use in this study for clearer understanding of the research:
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM. Persistent and habitual absence from school, typically defined as missing a certain percentage of school days (e.g., 10% or more) over an academic year.
TRUANCY. Willful and unjustified absence from school by students without the consent of parents or guardians, often associated with skipping classes or entire school days.
EXCUSED ABSENCE. Absence from school or classes that is authorized and permitted by school officials due to valid reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or other pre-approved circumstances.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. Absence from school or classes that occurs without proper authorization or valid reasons, often resulting in disciplinary actions.
ABSENTEE RATE. The percentage of students who are absent from school or classes within a given period, typically calculated as the total number of absent students divided by the total enrollment.
ATTENDANCE POLICY. Guidelines and regulations established by educational institutions to monitor and manage student attendance, including procedures for reporting absences, interventions for addressing chronic absenteeism, and consequences for unexcused absences.
ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION. Strategies and interventions implemented by schools to improve student attendance and reduce absenteeism, which may include parental involvement, mentorship programs, incentives for good attendance, and counseling support.
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT. The negative consequences of absenteeism on students' academic performance, learning outcomes, and overall educational progress, including lower grades, incomplete assignments, and gaps in knowledge acquisition.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL IMPACT. The emotional and social consequences of absenteeism on students, such as feelings of isolation, disengagement from peers and school community, and reduced sense of belonging.
COMMUNITY TRUANCY BOARD. A collaborative community-based initiative involving schools, law enforcement, social services, and community organizations aimed at addressing chronic truancy and absenteeism through prevention, intervention, and support services for at-risk students and families.