This guide, provided by ODEW, offers an overview of chronic absence, outlines the administrator's role, and provides strategies for districts and schools to improve attendance. It also includes resources to help identify barriers to attendance and builds an understanding of  why students might be absent.  

This slide deck contains information about updates to Attendance Law and considerations for local implementation, as well as success stories from elementary principal, Lisa Young and middle school principal, Rob Gelonese.  Explore this resource to see what strategies they used to reduce Chronic Absenteeism in their district.  

October 2025 Resource Folder 

This slide deck contains updates to Ohio's Medicad School Program.  Explore this resource to find out what actions your district can take today!

February 2026 Resource Folder 

Join us for the May 7th Attendance Collaborative!  Be part of a group that shares effective strategies and resources that have positively impacted Chronic Absenteeism.  Participants  will discuss trends, celebrate progress, and identify targeted supports to ensure every student is connected, engaged, and present. This collaborative conversation helps to align efforts and continues building a culture where attendance matters every day.  This one-hour session will be virtual.  

Thursday, May 7th | 9:00-10:00 virtual | Registration  

This strategy can be used with students to help build relationships and a sense of belonging.  A teacher, or adult in the building meets with a students for two minutes a day for ten days.  The template on the left provides a space for documentation.  

This document contains different activities and strategies that a school district and/or school building could use at different parts of the school year to help increase student attendance.  

This resource, created by the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, defines Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III.  Under each tier, there are clear and specific interventions to help support students with improving their attendance.  It also provides links to Attendance Works, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and a guide for Developing an Effective School Attendance Program that was published by The Ohio Supreme Court.  

The Attendance Works website offers a wealth of valuable resources for educators and families. These include handouts by grade band that help parents understand the importance of  attendance and how they can support their child's success. Additional materials include health-related handouts, informative videos, incentive ideas, messaging strategies, and success stories from schools. This comprehensive collection is an excellent tool for promoting strong attendance habits—be sure to explore all that the site has to offer! 

Promote student attendance by joining Stay in the Game!  Stay in the Game helps connect districts and educational leaders to resources and tools listed below that can improve attendance.  Check out the link in the title above!  

• A campaign playbook to customize district and school campaigns 

• Attendance campaign materials to use in schools and the community

• Incentives and activities aimed at students to reward good and improved attendance 

• Peer learning opportunities to meaningfully impact attendance