EFFECT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS AT PORT AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effect of socio-economic status on the academic performance of pupils at Port Area Elementary School, Jolo II District. Moreover, the study aims to assess the level of academic performance of these pupils and identify the social and economic factors affecting it. Additionally, the study seeks to establish measures that can be implemented to improve their academic performance. This study used a descriptive research survey design, employing questionnaires, document reviews, and interviews to collect data. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of intermediate pupils at Port Area Elementary School achieved a satisfactory proficiency level and acknowledged that their academic performance is influenced by socio-economic factors. The social factors identified as significant predictors of academic performance include peer group influence, work at home, lack of proper guidance at home, lack of parental care, lack of self-motivation, lack of sense of belongingness, and school attendance. The economic factors identified as significant predictors of academic performance include parents having no source of income, growing family size, lack of provision of school supplies and other learning materials, and the distance to school. Furthermore, the advisers of these intermediate pupils have identified some appropriate measures to address the social and economic factors and ultimately improve academic performance. In conclusion, the majority of pupils agreed that satisfactory academic performance is affected by social and economic factors. The effect of these factors is significant at the 0.01 level of confidence in the regression analysis. To improve academic performance, class advisers suggested increasing the financial assistance from the government to the school and pupils, improving teaching resources, and encouraging parental participation to motivate their children to engage in school activities.