Every Day Matters: Building a Culture of Belonging to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism

Event and Webinar

October 22nd, 2025 - October 22nd, 2025
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm EST

Location: Virtual

Chronic absenteeism is one of the most pressing and persistent challenges facing schools today. Across the country, 1 in 4 students is now chronically absent, missing at least 10% of the school year, equivalent to nearly a month of lost instructional time. This issue is not just about attendance; it’s about student well-being, equity, and long-term success.

We know that chronic absenteeism leads to lower academic achievement, increased dropout rates, and long-term socioeconomic struggles. The issue has been exacerbated by rising rates of youth anxiety and depression, disengagement, family instability, and post-pandemic academic and social-emotional recovery. In response, educators are shifting away from punitive approaches toward relationship-centered, systemic strategies grounded in whole-child support. This webinar, grounded in the evidence-based Future Ready Framework, brings together education leaders to explore how schools and districts can implement proven, proactive practices that re-engage students and restore a culture of attendance.

In this webinar, you will learn how practical tools, such as the Harmony Curriculum —a nationally recognized curriculum that helps build healthy relationships —have helped schools reduce absenteeism by fostering stronger student connections. In one study, over 90% of educators reported that the Harmony Curriculum was effective or very effective in improving classroom relationships, emotional regulation, and problem-solving —key contributors to sustained attendance and student belonging.