This study was conducted to determine the factors associated with high school dropouts from the four secondary schools in the District of Kasibu in evolving intervening programs to address the perennial problem on dropout

To achieve the above aim, the study used the descriptive survey method through a structured questionnaire to gather pertinent data required in this study.

The study was conducted in the four secondary schools in the District of Kasibu namely: Kasibu National Agricultural School, Malabing Valley National High School, Kongkong Valley National High School and Kakidugen High School. A total of 105 dropout students from school year 2003-2005 served as the respondents in this study. The study used convenient sampling in gathering the pertinent data needed in the study. The study was conducted from January to February 2006.

The results of this study reveal that most of the respondents dropped out when they were 15 years old and most are males. Most of them dropped out in the month of September when the peak season of harvesting is strongest since most of their parents are into farming

Among the problems on the different categorical classifications, most of the respondents considered lack of interest in doing school works as the main psychological factor why they dropped out. Also in the physiological factor, they considered joining a barkada asthe most pressing problem and hardship in coping with the deadline of many projects required as the most identified problem why they dropped out

With regards also to the medium of instruction, most respondents revealed that they do not understand what they are reading therefore leads to not reciting since they do not have something to tell. It is because they lack comprehension on what they are reading. Likewise, they also identified that they cannot speak in English though they want to recite as a main factor why they dropped out.

With the above results of the study, it is recommended that teachers can make activities more interesting for the students and give them activities and projects they can do with interest As established, many of the dropouts considered joining in a barkada as a major cause so parents may guide their children to participate in worthwhile youth activities and ties up with the school to lead their children to such helpful activities, and guide them in their choices particularly in their studies. And also, administrators may look into the viability of the First Language Component-Bridging Program (FLC-BP) as a methodology for teaching comprehension skills and recommend it for implementation since one major reason of most respondents' dropping out is lack of comprehension in reading. Why, because the lessons are presented in English except for some subjects like Filipino that uses the Filipino Language. The FLC-BP methodology as it was previously studied enhanced the reading performance of the learners therefore it is highly recommended.

Thesis (Master of Education - Educational Administration)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.