What is Truancy? 

A student is considered truant if they miss 5 or more unexcused days in a month or 10 or more unexcused days in a year.

Getting Started with Attendance

A guide to improving attendance.  Every absence, excused or unexcused, is a learning opportunity lost and can have significant impacts on a student’s success in school and life. A student who misses 10% or more of their school days, which can mean just two days a month and for any reason, is considered chronically absent.

Best Practices & Research

Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind academically and less likely to graduate from high school. Addressing chronic absenteeism and developing good attendance habits is a solvable problem for which we all share responsibility.

Laws & Reporting 

Relevant laws and data pertaining to attendance in Washington state. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Chronic absence is when a student misses 10% or more of their school days, whether the absences are excused or unexcused.  Here's a list of frequently asked questions to help you improve attendance in your shools.

Attendance Resources

In this section you will find resources and communications materials to help you improve attendance in your school or district.