Guidelines for the Management of Dropout Students in Highland School Areas under the Office of Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area 3

Abstract

          The objectives of this research article were: to study the causes of student truancy, management strategies for addressing student truancy, and to assess the suitability of highland schools under the jurisdiction of the Office of Educational Service Area Region 3, Nakhon Pathom Province. The sample group consisted of 9 schools with a total of 135 participants. The research tools were: questionnaires and interviews, and statistical analysis techniques such as means, standard deviations, and content analysis.

           The research findings revealed that the causes of truancy across all six dimensions were: 1) involvement in gambling, gaming, negative peer influences, and substance abuse 2) familial financial difficulties, 3) excessive strictness of school rules and regulations, 4) curriculum misalignment with student needs, 5) lack of teaching techniques and methods, and 6) proximity of negative influences due to the school's location. The management strategies for addressing student truancy across all six dimensions were as follows: 1) Teacher home visits to identify causes and address student absenteeism issues, 2) organizing activities to emphasize the importance of education to both parents and students, 3) developing manuals for adhering to school rules and regulations, 4) schools creating teaching plans aligned with the curriculum, 5) implementation of internal monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, and 6) collaborative efforts between schools and communities to establish parent networks in the area. Moreover, the results of evaluating the appropriateness of the management strategies for addressing student truancy across all six dimensions indicated the highest level of suitability.