Perceptions of principals, teachers, and parents regarding school dropout in the 7th to 9th grade of Basic Education in Choluteca

Abstract

This article deals with the problem of school dropout in the 7th to 9th grade of Basic Education in the municipality of Choluteca, Honduras. The aim of the study is to analyze the factors associated with school dropout in the 7th to 9th grade of Basic Education and identify the perceptions of principals, teachers, and parents regarding this problem, seeking recommendations to address this social phenomenon. The research uses a mixed-methods approach. The results show that the data on the factors of school dropout do not follow a normal distribution, so a non-parametric analysis was conducted. It was found that there are no significant differences in the perceptions of teachers, principals, and parents regarding the causes of school dropout, with migration and the economic situation that forces young people to work being identified as key factors. Regarding strategies to mitigate dropout, participants highlighted meetings with parents, financial support, vocational training, and measures to address migration. Additionally, the importance of the educational community's involvement in the design and implementation of successful strategies, such as the "Todos Podemos Avanzar" program, to prevent and reduce school dropout was emphasized.