ANTECEDENTS OF READING LEVEL AMONG GRADE 3 PUPILS IN THE

SELECTED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OF VITALI DISTRICT:

BASIS FOR READING CATCH-UP PROGRAM

A Thesis

Presented to the
Faculty of the Graduate School
Zamboanga City Polytechnic College

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Master of Arts in Education
Major in Educational Administration

By:
MARRY GLADIES A. FERNANDO

JANUARY 25, 2019

 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Reading is a habit where students learn, gain knowledge and develop new skills (Olivar,

2014). Understanding the significance of reading and in line with the implementation of the K to

12 Basic Education Program, the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented “Every Child A

Reader Program” (ECARP) through DepEd Memorandum No. 402 s. 2004 and Administrative

Order No. 324. This aims to teach public elementary pupils with planned training in reading and

writing to make them independent young readers and writers. In order to make pupils equipped

with reading skills, an assessment is done to know the reading status of the child. One of the

tools being used in knowing the reading ability of the child is through the use of tool Philippine

Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI).

The Phil-IRI used as a classroom-based assessment tool aims to measure and describe

the learners’ reading performance in both English and Filipino languages in oral reading, silent

reading and listening comprehension. These three types of assessment aim to determine the

learner’s independent, instructional and frustration levels. The Phil-IRI data shall also serve as

one of the bases in planning, designing/redesigning the reading instruction of the teachers and

the school’s reading programs or activities to improve the overall school’s reading performance.

In Limaong Elementary School, reading performance among Grade 3 pupils is a serious

concern. In the Phil - IRI results last SY 2018 - 2019, it showed that 53% of the pupils are in the

frustration level. Pupil under the frustration reading level tends to withdraw himself to read by

refusing it. This is the level in which the assistance and guidance given to readers appropriate

for their failure to make sense of the text.

 There are several factors that influence the reading levels of the pupils. One of these is

the nutritional status of the pupils. According to the latest studies presented by the Food and

Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), results echo a World Health Organization report that over 30

percent of children in the country are malnourished. Malnutrition remains as one of the biggest

problems that constrain school-age children from attending or performing well in school. Thus,

this may result to poor reading performance as well. The distance from home to school may be

considered as another factor. “The lengthy footing of kids to school disorganizes their

concentration in class. Some of them arrive at school sweaty, stressed and exhausted both

physically and psychologically, which compromise their performance, says Charles Mutazihana.

Given the effort of teachers to eradicate non-readers and improving literacy, a lot of

problems, questions, concerns and issues arise and have come up with this study. Hence, this

study will be conducted to determine other factors or antecedents that contribute to the reading

level of the pupils of selected elementary schools of Vitali District. Once these antecedents will

be identified, a reading catch - up program can be recommended for implementation to improve

the reading ability of the pupils.

Statement of the Problem

It aims to determine the antecedents of reading level among the Grade 3 pupils in the

selected Schools of Vitali District. It specifically sought to answer the following:

1.) What is the Reading level of the selected Grade 3 pupils in the selected schools of

Vitali District?

2.) To what extent do the following factors contribute to reading level of the pupils in

the Frustration level?

a. Nutritional Status

b. Self-Esteem
 c. Distance from home to school

3.) What intervention measures can be implemented to address the reading

disabilities among Grade 3 pupils?

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will be of great benefit to the following:

DepEd Officials. The results will provide the DepEd officials knowledge on what

contributes to the reading performance of the pupils since this can serve as basis for the reading

catch-up plan. Hence, the result of this study may serve as a mind-opener that would help them

think of future actions specifically ideas about the future programs or projects to be implemented

regarding school matters that may help boost the performance of the pupils and especially the

over-all reading performance.

Teachers. The given results of this study will give the teachers knowledge on what would

help them solve problems about reading disabilities in the classroom, what contributes to the

performance of the pupils and give them the importance of literacy specifically of reading in the

classroom.

Parents. Like the teachers, the parents too will understand the importance of helping

their child read. The given findings will help them realize what future actions to be done to help

their children in school.

Pupils. The results will provide the pupils knowledge on what will help them achieve best

classroom

performance in school. It will help them realize the importance of reading habits.

Future Researchers. The given data may eventually help the future researchers in doing

their study that is in connection with the said title.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study is focused on determining factors or antecedents that contribute to the reading

level of the pupils of selected elementary schools of Vitali District.

It is limited to Grade 3 pupils who undergo Phil-IRI Assessment on the selected

Elementary Schools of Vitali District, Zamboanga City, namely: Vitali Central School, Tagpangi

Elementary School, Limaong Elementary School; Bincul Elementary School, Tindalo Elementary

School and; Talaga Elementary School.