The 50% Challenge: Crafting a State Road Map

Step 4: Identify Strategies to Support Priority Routes

With priority route(s) selected using Step 3, state teams now turn to how the state will support districts in advancing the routes. In this step, state teams identify the key strategies and actions that will translate priority routes into coherent, coordinated statewide support for LEAs.

Effective state action requires more than isolated programs or initiatives. Progress toward The 50% Challenge goal depends on aligning multiple state-level efforts — across policy, funding, data, capacity building, accountability, workforce expectations, communication and cross-agency coordination — to create the conditions districts need to implement a prevention-first, tiered approach to improving attendance.

In this step, the team will:

  1. Identify key strategies the state will pursue to advance the selected priority route(s)
  2. Determine. specific actions needed to implement each strategy
  3. Clarify roles, timelines and responsibilities
  4. Identify indicators to monitor implementation quality and early progress

Choosing and documenting strategies

Attendance Works recommends using the State Self-Assessment tool to identify strengths and gaps across the Key Ingredients for Systemic Change and to inform which levers and actions should be prioritized when implementing the selected route(s).

The self-assessment helps state teams to:

  • ground decisions in current realities
  • avoid duplicating existing efforts
  • identify where new or stronger action is needed
  • align strategies across SEA levers

Using the insights from the self-assessment, state teams should select strategies that are high-impact, feasible and aligned to both the priority routes and the tools available to the state.

The 50% Challenge Roadmap Work Plan

Once strategies have been selected, use The 50% Challenge work plan to document the approach and track implementation over time. When completing the work plan, teams should:

  • Base strategies in local environments and challenges. Reflect variation in district context, capacity and needs.

  • Connect each strategy to the priority route(s). Ensure strategies clearly advance the selected route(s) and strengthen relevant key Ingredients.

  • Assign roles and timelines. Identify the person(s) responsible for each action and establish clear sequencing.

  • Determine leading indicators. Identify short-term signals that track implementation quality, uptake and early wins.

  • Identify lagging indicators. Choose outcome measures that show whether chronic absence is improving — and for which student groups, schools and districts.

The strategies and actions identified in Step 4 form the foundation for the next phases of the roadmap: monitoring progress, adapting approaches and sharing learning. By designing strategies that prioritize the priority routes, that are based in the state context and are implemented with action across SEA levers, states are positioned to support districts in achieving meaningful and lasting reductions in chronic absence.

Resources for Step 4

Explore The 50% Challenge: Crafting a State Road Map