The influence of educator absenteeism on effective education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of educator absenteeism on effective education. It was also to determine if district office supports principals and deputy principals and H.O.D.'s in their effort to reduce absenteeism. This investigation was prompted by the high rate of educator absenteeism at schools and principals who cannot reduce absenteeism. To investigate the problem, a literature study and empirical research were undertaken. The literature study indicated that principals and H.0.D.k are faced with a big problem of absenteeism. The empirical study was successful in obtaining, analysing and interpreting the required information from the principals, deputy principals, H.0.D.k and educators. The research findings revealed that educators are more absent from schools. Principals can not deal effectively with educators who are absent from school regularly. Educators submit doctor's certificates which indicate illness and number of leave days to be taken. And learners also found to be absent at schools. Indications were that some learners are sick; others look after their sick families and relatives. Also the absence of feeding schemes contributes to absenteeism of learners. District office need to speed up with feeding schemes for those schools not getting it. Recommendations have therefore been made so that district officials can assist principals and HODS in reducing absenteeism in schools.