Attendance, Chronic Absenteeism, & Truancy

Attendance is a critical building block for student learning. If students are not present, they cannot engage in learning. Attendance is a powerful signal and leading indicator of equity. It can signal when students might need additional support and areas for system and school improvement. Chronic absenteeism impacts all students—no matter their age. Students that miss just two days a month for any reason are more likely to not read at grade level, and more likely to not graduate.

Attendance Awareness Materials

Explore positive and supportive messaging for students, families, communities, and educators, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of attendance.

Best Practices for Improving Attendance

Explore best practices to help you in your attendance improvement work through multi-tiered systems of support.

Policies, Guidance, & Data Reporting

Learn about relevant policies, guidance, and data pertaining to attendance in Washington state.

Root Causes & Interventions for Absences

Find resources and tools below that address common underlying causes of absences and that support student groups that tend to experience absences the most.

Truancy Supports and Resources

Explore resources that aim to help schools and districts take proactive steps to support students and prevent truancy.

Washington’s 5-Year Challenge to Cut Chronic Absenteeism in Half

OSPI is inviting school districts leaders to join a nationwide challenge to reduce chronic absence in Washington from 27% to 14% by 2029.

District Truancy Liaison

Each school district must identify a point of contact for all matters related to excessive absenteeism and truancy (RCW 28A.225.026). Find your district's contact information here.