Research by Attendance Works
For the full list of research and reports, please visit the All Research page.
More Essential Than Ever: States Taking Action To Improve Attendance
This brief, our fifth annual examination of state attendance data, policy, and practices, shows that 49 states are publishing chronic absence data. It is based on a review of websites for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as a survey completed by the states. The brief showcases success stories from Colorado and Virginia.
Unpacking Unexcused Absences in Maryland: A Working Paper
Unpacking Unexcused Absences in Maryland: A Working Paper by Attendance Works and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville School of Nursing, April 2025. This report examines how policies and practices of the truancy system—the application of the unexcused absence code–could be hindering efforts to improve attendance, particularly for the student groups with high rates of chronic absence.
Continued High Levels of Chronic Absence, With Some Improvements, Require Action
Continued High Levels of Chronic Absence, With Some Improvements, Require Action by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, January 2025. This report examines newly released national data from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2022–23 school year, showing that while chronic absence declined slightly, it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Stemming the Surge in Chronic Absence: What States Can Do, A Fourth Annual Review of State Attendance Policy and Practice
Stemming the Surge in Chronic Absence: What States Can Do, A Fourth Annual Review of State Attendance Policy and Practice by Attendance Works, June 2024. This brief is our fourth annual review of how states are and could make a difference in school attendance with new policies and practices. Reversing today’s chronic absenteeism requires state leaders to make reducing chronic…
Turning Back the Tide: The Critical Role of States In Reducing Chronic Absence
Turning Back the Tide: The Critical Role of States In Reducing Chronic Absenteeism, by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center, Johns Hopkins University. The unprecedented levels of post-pandemic chronic absenteeism compels action from state education agencies and policymakers. This analysis recommends states lead a comprehensive, data-informed approach that equips districts to take local action
All Hands on Deck: Today’s Chronic Absence Requires A Comprehensive District Response and Strategy
All Hands on Deck: Today’s Chronic Absenteeism Requires A Comprehensive District Response and Strategy, by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center, Johns Hopkins University. A deeper look into national data for the 2021-22 school year highlights how chronic absence directly affects students from all backgrounds. The analysis offers recommendations for district and state action and lists four proven strategies…
Rising Tide of Chronic Absence Challenges Schools
Rising Tide of Chronic Absence Challenges Schools, by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center, Johns Hopkins University. This analysis of national data for the 2021-22 school year, released by the U.S. Department of Education, shows striking findings at the school level: two-thirds (66%) of enrolled students attended a school with high or extreme levels of chronic absence. Nationally, 14.7 million…