The persistence of truancy among students in the Bono East Region, the case of Hansua Kwaku Twi Junior High School

Abstract

Truancy has become a burden in schools plaguing the lives and education of students who fall victim. It is indeed a syndrome that has become deep seated and perpetuating. Various factors contribute to its occurrence. This study therefore was undertaken to investigate the causes of student’s truancy in secondary schools, ascertain its effect on their lives and to determine the measures needed to control it. The study used quantitative research methods. The target population of the study comprised the teachers and students from Kwaku Twi JuniorHigh School. A sample of fifty (50) teachers was selected using the purposive sampling technique. This study used questionnaires as instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used for the study. The study found out that single parenthood arising from broken homes was the likely cause of students’ truancy accounting. Again, it was clear however that, the failure of students to perform respectably in school was mostly attributable to truancy. In the light of this, it was beyond question that truancy has the potential to lead into crook ways of life, social deviants or educational failure. It was also discovered that lack of parental supervision due to broken homes, poor school policies, teachers’ attitudes contribute to the truancy of students, impact of bullying from other students and lack of financial support were contributory factors in varied degrees of impact. Based on the findings, the study recommended that appropriate measures like good relationships between the school, parents and community therefore are needed to control this educational and social challenge.