Esports Education: A Strategic Approach to Battling Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is one of the biggest threats to student achievement. When students miss school they lose instructional time, fall behind academically and face greater risks of dropping out. But as absenteeism rises across the country, schools are discovering an unexpected solution: esports. Let’s take a look.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days.(Roughly 18 days a year). Unlike truancy, it includes all absences: excused, unexcused, and suspensions.

The rise has been dramatic:

• 15% → 22% from 2018 to 2025

• Rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels

• Urban areas are disproportionately affected

• Chronic absenteeism among Black students in some districts reaches 46%

• Hispanic students reach 41%

The issue crosses every demographic and directly affects academic performance, graduation likelihood, and long-term outcomes.

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)

If you are looking for more evidence for the benefits, check out our blog here!

Real Results: Madison Junior High School

Madison Junior High integrated esports into both their classes and extracurricular offerings. Their outcomes:

• Reduced disciplinary actions

• Improved attendance

• Higher engagement among previously disengaged students

Students described the program as the first time school felt meaningful and motivating.

A quote from their esports teacher, Justin Davis, reinforces how esports transformed student behavior and consistency:

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.

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 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.