1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school (aka miss at least 10% of the school year). That’s double the number of chronically absent students since 2018.†
theSkimm

October 26, 2023

Read in browser

The Hidden Educational Crisis Affecting Schools Nationwide: Together with Whirlpool
The Hidden Educational Crisis Affecting Schools Nationwide: Together with Whirlpool

1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school (aka miss at least 10% of the school year). That’s double the number of chronically absent students since 2018.* One reason? A lack of access to clean clothes. That’s where Whirlpool comes in. They’re on a mission to end the cycle, one laundry machine at a time. 

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: THE FACTS  

 

The Department of Education has dubbed it “a hidden educational crisis.” 

An estimated 6.5 million students across the US became chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year.

1 in 5 students don’t have access to clean clothes, making them more likely to miss school.†

A student who is chronically absent any year between grades 8 and 12 is 7x more likely to drop out.‡

Chronic absenteeism has been linked to diminished health, involvement with the criminal justice system, and poverty. 

HOW CARE COUNTS™ STARTED

 

Whirlpool founded the program in 2015, after a teacher asked the brand for help addressing her students' needs.

 
Whirlpool Care Counts
 
Learn more

HOW IT’S GOING

 

🧺 Nationwide Support

They’ve installed washers and dryers in more than 150 schools across 40 states.

🗓️ Increased Attendance

Nearly 80% of high-risk elementary school students who participated in the program increased their attendance by an average of 16 days.§

⬇️ Reduced Risk

Nearly 61% are no longer at risk of chronic absenteeism.§

📝 Future Goals

Expand Care Counts™ toall 50 states and double the number of participating schools by 2028.

PSST…

 

We’re working on a podcast miniseries with psychologist, author, and parent educator, Dr. Jazmine McCoy, about this very topic. The first ep drops Tuesday, Nov 7. 

*Based on “Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23,” updated June 2023 

†Based on a survey conducted by phone within the United States by Braun Research from April 25–May 8, 2019 among 600 public school teachers (18 years or older)

‡Based on Department of Education Report "Chronic Absenteeism in the Nation's Schools," updated 2019

§Data considers only 2022–2023 school year results according to Impact YOY data

Issues? [email protected]

 

Copyright (c) 2023 theSkimm, All rights reserved.

 

Our mailing address is

53 W 23rd St, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010, United States

 

See our full sponsor agreement

 

Want to change how you receive these emails?
Update your preferences or unsubscribe here.