Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in 2024-2025
The Issue
In an urgent letter to national education leaders dated March 22, 2024, Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, implored school systems to take IMMEDIATE action to address the issue of chronic absenteeism in this country.
According Dr. Cardona, "Chronic absenteeism is typically defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days, or 18 days in a year, for any reason, excused or unexcused...As of the 2021-22 school year, over 14 million students nationwide were chronically absent, missing valuable instructional time and posing serious implications for students' overall academic success and wellbeing."
Dr. Cardona goes on to explain, "Research suggests that children who are chronically absent for multiple years between preschool and second grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade. This has been shown elsewhere to make students four times more likely to not graduate from high school. Chronic absenteeism can also further disengage students from their learning and connections with their peers and with other caring adults."
The Mission
Start NOW.
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) summarizes the Dear Colleagues letter from Dr. Cardona as emphasizing, "importance of starting now to address chronic absenteeism in the 2024–25 school year."
We are ready to help.
The 360 Project is an innovative model of recovery that districts can implement NOW to address social and emotional needs, assure academic readiness, and provide a framework for scholars to self actualize in order to remove barriers of attendance. We promote personal development in a 360 degrees approach.
We promote positive social and emotional development.
This comprehensive method is based on research, experiential learning, and recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education to mitigate chronic absenteeism.
In direct alignment with the Department's message, we support districts as they take 3 key actions to help more students attend and engage each day.
Key Action #1: Engage
We ENGAGE chronically absent students as participants in The 360 Project so that they can create a plan for their own path in life.
The 360 Project is founded in the belief that those who choose to do so can follow the lead of legendary visionaries to create a blueprint for a purposeful and successful life; whatever a person envisions and plans can be their reality.
Our co-founders and team of uniquely qualified individuals work alongside chronically absent students as they participate in a series of tangible outcome-based modules that are designed around topics such as assets, foundation, possibilities, strategic life planning, and the power of words while focusing on the themes of dignity, principles, preparedness, and determination.
We offer customized content engagement for all organizations.
- Keynotes for Organizational Leadership
- Keynote Assemblies for Organizational Participants
- Leadership Summits
- Seminar Series for Organizational Leadership
- Seminar Series for Organizational Participants
- WORKBOOK Study Series- Virtual Events
- protégé, The Experience
- Create your own customized experiences with us!
Key Action #2: Empower
We EMPOWER students by providing access to literacy support so that they are perfectly-prepared to explore the possibilities that await them.
The 360 Project offers both in-person and one-on-one online programming co-created and customized with District/Organization input.
The 360 Project planning team will collaborate with the district to create a plan of implementation that follows federal recommendations.
Key Action #3: Inspire
We INSPIRE students' willingness to meaningfully engage in school by connecting them to leaders such as Branndon Jackson who can help them develop a personal rationale for the necessity of attendance.
The 360 Project recognizes that there are many reasons that students do not attend school. There are times when attendance is out of their control, but there are also times when a lack of desire or purpose are a barrier.
In combination with addressing the social and emotional aspects of attendance and the possibility that academic challenges are impeding motivation, The 360 Project provides monitoring and incentives for improved student attendance.
Co-Founder and Inspiration, Branndon Jackson
Branndon D. Jackson is the content developer and lead facilitator of the Blueprint for a 360 Life experience. He is co-founder of The 360 Project and specializes in realistic application of social and emotional learning.
In addition to his work with The 360 Project, Branndon is an energy lobbyist in Washinton, D.C., and he serves as a school board member in one of the largest districts in the nation.
Growing up in the inner city, Branndon faced insurmountable odds such as financial and economic instability, violence, crime, and family challenges. Yet, Branndon knew that he could use his experiences and gifts to change his own trajectory. Branndon looked to people who inspired him, both famous and family, to shift his mindset to one of empowerment through an alternate perspective.