Esports Education: A Strategic Approach to Battling Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is pervasive and affects student performance and overall school success. Traditional methods of addressing absenteeism, such as policy changes and incentive programs, have had varied success. However, an innovative approach is gaining traction: integrating esports into the educational framework. Let’s take a look.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, including both excused and unexcused absences. This issue is linked to lower academic achievement, higher dropout rates, and decreased chances of post-secondary success. Nationwide, chronic absenteeism rose from 15 percent in 2018 to 28 percent in 2022. While 33 of the 39 states reporting data saw improvements in 2023, chronic absenteeism rates remained 75 percent above the pre-pandemic baseline. This increase affected all district types, with the highest rates found in districts with low achievement and higher poverty, impacting more than one in three students.  Chronic absenteeism rates varied by race, increasing from 7 percent to 15 percent among Asian students, 11 percent to 24 percent among white students, 16 percent to 36 percent among Hispanic students, and 18 percent to 39 percent among Black students. The rates were even higher in urban districts nationwide, reaching 41 percent for Hispanic students and 46 percent for Black students.*

What is the Difference Between Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism?

Truancy refers to unexcused absences from school. It is often seen as a behavioral issue where students deliberately skip school without a valid reason. Schools track truancy through daily attendance records and may implement disciplinary actions or involve truancy officers to address the problem. Chronic absenteeism, however, includes all absences, both excused and unexcused. Causes can range from health issues and family responsibilities to transportation problems and disengagement from school.

Evidence of the Benefits of Esports and Video Games in Education

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 97 percent of teenagers play video games, presenting a significant opportunity to leverage students' passion for gaming to improve educational outcomes. Integrating esports in schools can foster a sense of belonging and motivate regular attendance, especially among those not engaged in traditional sports or classroom activities. For these students, esports can provide a fun and engaging way to learn. It can help students develop a sense of community and belonging. By incorporating esports into the school curriculum, students become excited to attend classes. There's a common misconception that students only sit around and play video games, but that's far from the truth. Research indicates that the interactive and immersive qualities of games can significantly improve engagement and motivation. 

One of the standout features of esports is its inherent inclusivity. It provides opportunities for individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to compete and succeed. This inclusivity is crucial for breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in the gaming industry and beyond. Esports tournaments and events often feature diverse teams and celebrate individual achievements regardless of background, sending a powerful message of acceptance.

Moreover, experts highlight (1,2) that technology helps students with disabilities interact better and have the same chances to join in activities as everyone else. Plus, these games are excellent for students with special needs to practice everyday skills, solve problems, and prepare for more seamless social integration. (3, 4)

Beyond fostering inclusivity and engagement, esports programs can also open up new career pathways for students. The industry encompasses various domains, from traditional roles like marketing, HR, and finance to specific positions like shoutcasters, coaches, event coordinators, and professional players. Additionally, unique career options such as beauticians and physical therapists for professional players and teams are also available. Just as a football team includes more than just players, the esports industry offers a wide range of opportunities.

Many schools have successfully implemented esports programs and observed significant reductions in absenteeism. For example, Madison Junior High School reported a decrease in disciplinary actions and an improvement in attendance rates after introducing their esports education program. The program provided students with a sense of purpose and belonging, encouraging them to attend school regularly. Let’s listen from, Justin Davis, the school’s Esports Education Teacher:

How to Integrate Esports into the Curriculum?

Esports creates a strong and meaningful incentive for kids to attend school. The integration of esports into the curriculum requires careful planning and consideration. Schools interested in integrating esports into their programs should consider factors like technology infrastructure, funding, and curriculum integration. Building a supportive esports ecosystem involves collaboration between educators, students, and the community. The most common way of integrating esports into education is through esports curriculums or as an extracurricular activity.

Extracurricular Activities

Schools can offer esports as an after-school program or as an esports club, providing students with a structured environment in which to practice and compete. This approach allows students to engage in esports without interfering with their academic responsibilities.

Esports Curriculums

Using esports as a medium of instruction in existing courses can enhance the learning experience and make the curriculum more engaging. Esports naturally fit into Career and Technical Education clusters such as Information Technology, Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Marketing, and Business Management & Administration as well as into core subjects such as Physical Education, English Language Arts, and STEM. This approach helps students see the practical applications of their academic subjects.

Conclusion: A Solution That Students Love

Esports education offers a promising solution to the challenge of chronic absenteeism. As more schools recognize the benefits of esports, it is essential to continue exploring innovative ways to integrate it into the educational framework. By doing so, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their academic and personal lives.

Gameplan offers features such as scheduling, the curriculum, content creation tools, organization management analytics, and much more, allowing administrators, teachers, and students to streamline their esports activities. To learn more about how Gameplan can support your scholastic esports journey, schedule a call and take the first step towards transforming education through esports.