Absenteeism: Its Effect on the Academic Performance of Selected SHS Students

Introduction

In this era of globalization and technological development is persistent, education is

considered as the starting point of development of human activities. It plays a vital role in

ensuring an individuals well-being and opportunities for better living (Battle & Lewis, 2002). It

helps in the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable individuals to increase their

productivity and improve their quality of life. This increase of productivity leads individuals to

better earning and this contributes to the increase in the economic growth of a country (Saxton,

2000).

Attendance, however, has a major effect on the students academic performance. One

major issue that continues to retrograde the students academic performance is absenteeism.

Absenteeism happens when a student does not attend school (Teasley,2004). Students start to

be absent in primary school, and continue through secondary school and so on (Reid, 2005). It

serves as hindrance on the students academic growth since going out of class means less

knowledge will be acquired. They will have fewer opportunities to learn the things that can help

them reach success (Epstein & Sheldon, 2002).

This literature review will discuss the effects of absenteeism will show the effects of

absenteeism such as limited educational instruction, poor academic progress, and future

problems towards the academic performance of selected SHS students.

 This study gives further understanding of the effects of absenteeism not only for the

student but also to the institution which will allow the administration to take necessary action

towards minimizing absenteeism and its effects.

School absences cause valuable loss of educational time. Attending school regularly is a vital

factor in school success for both students and teachers. Excessive school absenteeism is often

linked to poor school academic achievement, so school attendance by both teachers and

students plays an integral role in the success and educational advancement levels of any

academic institution and all students enrolled.

Limited Educational Instruction

It is crucial to the success of any school to employ dedicated teachers who are

physically present to administer quality education to each student. Excessive absenteeism by

the teaching staff can drastically hinder the learning environment and academic achievement of

students when instructors are not routinely present to teach them. When teachers are absent,

schools must rely on substitute teachers to provide instruction for the students. However, many

substitute teachers may not be qualified to provide quality educational instruction. Substitute

teachers are not always required to possess a teaching certification, and in some school districts

they are able to teach with only a high school GED. The loss of quality instructional time for

students can result in unlearned academic skills and objectives, and subsequent reduction in

students' standardized test scores (Walters,2014)

Poor Academic Performance

Successful schools cannot survive without physically present students. According to

the "Excessive Absences Intervention" research study by author Linda L. Williams,

excessive absenteeism by students may result in unlearned course material from fewer

hours of instruction, and a disruption of class instruction for teachers who have to

administer remediation for the absent student when he returns to school. Excessive

absenteeism by students may additionally result in poor academic achievement because

students are not receiving instruction on a consecutive basis. This problem also causes low

standardized test scores because absent students are not present to learn key concepts

and skills that are assessed on standardized exams (Walters,2014)

Future Problems

Excessive student absenteeism can lead to an increasing disinterest in school and

academics in general. According to author Jason A. Schoenebergers "Longitudinal

Attendance Patterns" study, excessive absenteeism increases the chances of a student

eventually dropping out of school, which can lead to long term consequences for these

students, such as lower average incomes, higher incidences of unemployment, and a

higher likelihood of incarceration. Schoeneberger asserts that students who drop out of

school face a higher risk of poverty because of their inability to secure quality paying

employment due to their lack of education and resources. Dropouts who lack education and

resources are more likely to commit criminal activity leading to incarceration.

 Good education is a stepping stone towards achieving a bright future. Attendance of

not only the students but also of the teachers plays a vital role on the academic

performance of student. Absenteeism on the other hand is very rampant. Loss of valuable

learning time between the students and the teachers is costly. Not only affecting the

students on their academic performance and present situation but it will later on linger into

even bigger problems that will shatter the hopes and dreams of the students.