Policies, Guidance, and Data Reporting

Re-Envisioning Truancy Project

OSPI is exploring what equitable truancy policies and practices need to be to engage and support youth to access their education. Find out more by reading the OSPI Re-Envisioning Truancy Project Explainer.

ESSER Attendance and Reengagement

OSPI supports attendance & reengagement through the ESSER Attendance & Reengagement Project. Find out more by reading the Attendance and Reengagement Project Explainer.

Contact Information

Attendance

Jenna Millett

564-200-4464

Krissy Johnson

Assistant Director of Attendance & Engagement

Attendance and truancy in public schools are regulated in Washington state statute (Chapter 28A.225 RCW) and the Washington administrative code (Chapter 392-401 WAC). School districts must report absences and truancy data to OSPI through the Comprehensive Education Data And Research System (CEDARS). Please find guidance for school districts relative to these regulations and reporting below.

Guidance on Attendance Laws & Rules

Attendance & Truancy Legally Required Steps (updated to reflect 2021 legislative changes)

Frequently Asked Questions

Attendance & Truancy FAQ (March 4, 2024)

Withdrawing Students
Mental Health Absences 

Mental Health Excused Absence Guidance & Resources

CEDARS Data Collection Requirement & Guidance 

Guidance regarding absence reporting & truancy actions can be found on the CEDARS web page in these documents:

  • CEDARS Manual
  • CEDARS Reporting Guidance
  • Student Attributes & Programs File I - Appendix F (Values 50-55)
Truancy Reports

2017-18 Truancy Report Supplemental Data Files

Prior year(s) truancy reports and data available upon request. Please contact Krissy Johnson.

Truancy in Alternative Learning Environments (ALE)