The purpose of this article is to understand the meaning of going to school for the maladjusted pupils who are frequently late or absent from schools without the permissions from their parents or teachers. They are usually referred to as the 'school maladjusted'. The data for analysis were collected through interviews with pupils in a female vocational high school, two to three times a week for a period of about two months. In order to identify the meaning of school in their overall life, interviews were conducted on not only everyday school life but also on their family life and life outside school. With accumulated negative experiences in schools, they felt difficult to endure attending schools. They usually just spent time at schools as they usually slept in classes, confronted teachers, or have conflicts with teachers. Attending school was too much for them to endure; they would cut classes or sometimes not attend the classes without excuses. Ironically, school maladjustment behavior such as cutting classes or being absent were something that enabled them to continue going(attending) schools, much like taking a deep breath to endure school. Even earning some money through part-time jobs outside school, and receiving reward for their good work allowed them to feel self-worth and this in return helps them to endure school life. To them, being a part or graduating from schools allows them the feeling of belonging to ordinary people. Based on these findings, the authors proposed providing a comprehensive support system in addition to changes in the school curriculum, to enable students to experience meaningful learning.
Key words: school maladjusted pupils, absenteeism, latent dropouts