Keeping attendance a priority through the end of year

2/23/2024

Schools and districts can continue emphasizing the importance of daily attendance to avoid the “Spring Dip” – the time from spring break to the end of the year when schools nationwide observe drops in daily attendance. Students who miss as little as two days each month, for any reason, are on-track to become chronically absent by the end of the year.

Here are some ways to help support student attendance this spring and beyond:

• Plan purposeful activities after spring break and state testing to keep students in school and engaged in learning. Asking students and families what they would like to see happen at school in the spring can also increase engagement and buy-in.
• Join Stay in the Game! Attendance Network which provides attendance messaging support and additional resources for network members. The deadline for schools and districts to express interest in joining the network is March 15!
• Reinforce positive messaging, including any attendance communications to families. Visit the Department’s Attendance Support webpage for improved examples of “excessively absent” and “habitually truant” notifications. When revising school messages and practices, note that medically excused absences do not count toward a student being “excessively absent.”

Contact the Office of Whole Child Supports at attendance@education.ohio.gov for questions.