The past few years have been some of the most challenging in education’s history. As educators work tirelessly to help their students recover from disruptions in learning, one issue has emerged as a critical barrier: chronic absenteeism. When students miss school, they miss out—not only on academics but also on the relationships, routines, and support that foster growth and well-being.
Absenteeism is more than just a statistic; it represents a missed opportunity to connect, inspire, and support students. For educators already navigating stress and burnout, finding effective ways to re-engage students can feel overwhelming. Yet, evidence shows that when educators are equipped with mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL), and wellness practices, they can transform their classrooms into spaces of healing and growth.
At Breathe For Change, we believe that showing up is the foundation of growth, both for students and educators. When educators have the tools to foster connection, cultivate wellness, and inspire resilience, they create classrooms where students want to be. That’s why we developed our Mindfulness, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Yoga Teacher Training program: to support educators in transforming their well-being and empowering their students to succeed.
Now, new research confirms what we’ve seen firsthand in classrooms across the country. In a study conducted by LearnPlatform, researchers found that students with Breathe For Change-trained educators were more likely to attend school consistently and less likely to be chronically absent. These results show the profound impact of equipping educators with wellness strategies that uplift entire school communities.
Key Findings
- Improved Student Attendance: Students with Breathe For Change-trained educators had significantly higher attendance rates (92%) compared to those without (91%).
- Reduced Chronic Absenteeism: Students taught by Breathe For Change-trained educators were 15% less likely to be chronically absent.
- Stronger Gains for At-Risk Students: Among students previously identified as chronically absent, those taught by trained educators experienced a 4% higher attendance rate and a 15% drop in chronic absenteeism compared to peers without trained teachers.
Why It Matters
Educator well-being is directly linked to student success. Breathe For Change empowers educators with wellness and SEL strategies that not only enhance their own well-being but also create environments where students thrive.
How It Works
The teacher training equips educators with tools like mindfulness, emotional awareness, and community-building practices, helping students feel more engaged and supported.
Study Methodology
The quasi-experimental study involved 955 K–12 students and 172 educators in Massachusetts. Researchers used robust statistical methods to ensure reliable findings, including propensity score matching and regression analysis.
Conclusion
These results affirm the transformative power of Breathe For Change’s teacher training on chronic absenteeism and student attendance. By investing in educators, schools can foster a culture of well-being that benefits everyone.
