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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study
Tardiness is one of the major problems which the schools in the Philippines are facing. This dilemma can hinder each student’s and each school’s success. When the student is late it can affect his academic performance in class. There must be some reason why they come to school not in time. In the global arena there is a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education on truancy, which is connected with tardiness, show that school attendance and tardiness are major factors when it comes to school’s success and student behaviour. School tardiness relates to other outcomes as stated by Aviv (2012) in her website from Ekstrom, Goertz, Pollack, and Rock (1986), Students who are frequently tardy have lower grades, scores on standardized assessments, and graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is associated with failure in high school. A national study reported higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness for dropouts. Tardiness has been a significant problem in schools, principals and teachers thought that students’ tardiness was a serious problem. In fact, as Western Cape Education Minister Donald Grant (2010) visited Maitland High School in support of their principal, Mr. Kenny, and his methods to deter late comers, said: "I believe strongly that schools should adopt firm, fair and consistent methods in preventing high volumes of latecomers. We have to ensure "time on task" in order to improve our education outcomes. Therefore, I encourage the methods being adopted at this school. It is both firm in its approach and is consistent every day. It is also fair, as learners who have 'just cause' as to why they are late, are exempted from detention."
The faculty and Administration of the School, University of Mindanao High School (UMHS), believe strongly in the importance of regular attendance by all students. The attendance of the students is expected from the first day of classes until the end of school year. It is important that they are regular and punctual in their attendance at all classes and activities, both curricular and co-curricular. They must attend classes on time if they want to gain from the education that the school provides. The attendance is part of the school's non-academic policies. It is the persons or number of persons that are present. The following are the policies of the UMHS. (A)Tardiness (1) First period classes starts at 7:30 in the morning and 12:45 o’clock in the afternoon (2) Three times tardy is considered as one day absence. Ten times tardy in a month is considered habitual tardiness. Some students think that attendance and being on time is not essential. This attendance will reflect to the students’ report card. Being late can also affect the academic performance of a student. There must be some reason why they come to school not in time. Hence, the result of this study must help the students and also the school to lessen the number of late students, especially high school students and to implement a good policy and action for this.