Possible Factors Contributing to Students’ Late Registration, Dropouts and Absenteeism in Some Selected Rural Primary Schools in Oromia Region

Abstract

The major goal of this study is to examine possible factors contributing to students‟ late-registration, sudden dropout and regular absenteeism in schools found in the rural mixed-farming and crop-pest infested areas of Yayya-Gullalie Wareda of North Showa Zone, Oromia. Accordingly, three schools were selected. Data were collected using four types of instruments- observation, document analysis, interview and focus-group discussion. Observation was made to identify the nature of students‟ attendance in the schools. The document analysis was made to identify the cases- late-registered, dropouts and absentees. The interview and focus group discussion were made with individuals and groups respectively. The targets of the discussions were teachers, students and guardians. The findings indicated that there were about thirteen major factors that contributed to students‟ late registration, sudden dropout and absenteeism. Based on the results, recommendations were given to alleviate the situation.