RISK FACTORS AFFECTING SCHOOL DROP-OUT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES AMONG ELEMENTARY PUPILS IN A CITY SCHOOLS DIVISIO

This study aimed to ascertain the risk factors and mitigation strategies for school drop-out among elementary pupils during the COVID-19 pandemic both quantitatively and qualitatively. For the quantitative part, it determined the profile of the school heads and teachers. Similarly, the risk factors for school drop-out among elementary pupils and the mitigation strategies for school drop-out were assessed. Moreover, it determined if the responses of the two groups of respondents differed significantly. Furthermore, it determined the effects of the pandemic on the students' learning and, finally, the support given by the parents to their children’s learning, which was assessed qualitatively. The respondents comprised 210 elementary teachers, 5 school heads, 10 elementary pupils, and 10 parents in the West District of the Division of Lucena City. Researcher-made questionnaire served as the tool for gathering data. The data were treated and analyzed for the quantitative part using statistical methods such as frequency-percentage distribution, weighted average mean, and independent sample t-test. Meanwhile, the researcher interviewed and used thematic analysis to interpret the gathered data for the qualitative part. As a result, teachers and school heads identified school, personal, family, and economic risk factors for dropping out during the COVID-19 pandemic among elementary pupils. In addition, the two groups of respondents strongly agreed that schools implement mitigation strategies to help students at risk of dropping out of school. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the responses of the teachers and school heads on the identified risk factors for dropout and on the strategies implemented by the school in mitigating dropout. Finally, the pandemic affects the students' learning for the following reasons; resulting in a lack of focus and interest due to distractions; struggle due to lack of resources, and make it harder because of parental support and guidance. In addition, the parents support their children’s learning by giving financial support and academic support. Therefore, the results signify that risk factors may prevent elementary pupils from dropping out of school, and all stakeholders must take the necessary actions to prevent the problem.