Nations 5th Largest School District in Clark County, NV, Reduces Chronic Absenteeism by Nearly 10% Using Whole-Child, Whole-Family Approach
Summary
CCSD, one of the first school districts in the United States to adopt the Harmony curriculum when it integrated the program in 2016, uses the teachings to create and cultivate healthy learning environments and relationships so that every student feels connected and valued in the classroom and beyond. This foundation improves academic performance, boosts overall well-being, and directly addresses issues like bullying, absenteeism, and mental health challenges, which have a profound impact on student success. CCSD educators have shown enormous interest in the program—particularly in the benefits of professional development certificate programs designed to help them engage students more deeply and reduce absenteeism rates. "Our goal is to ensure every student has the support and relationships needed to thrive academically and socially," said Denise Diaz, executive director, engagement unit, Clark County School District. Dr. Nick Yoder, associate vice president of whole human education & research at Harmony Academy at National University and co-author of the newly released white paper, Fostering Harmony and Belonging as a Solution to Chronic Absenteeism, said, "Heres what we know from the science of learning and development, from research on social and emotional learning, and from human development broadly: kids need a sense of belonging—to feel connected, engaged, included, and that their voices are heard—in order to really succeed.