Attendance Study

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce partnered with the Ohio Education Research Center (OERC) to conduct a statewide study on school attendance. This study sought to learn more about patterns and outcomes related to student attendance in Ohio, as well as local school district attendance policies. This mixed methods study was guided by four broad overarching research questions:

1. What patterns exist regarding student attendance in Ohio?
2. How is student attendance related to academic achievement?
3. How are excused and unexcused absences operationalized and tracked?
4. How do districts use data to identify students in need of interventions? What strategies are districts using?

Three primary data sources were used: EMIS records from 2016 - 2023; local attendance records from select school districts; and a statewide survey. Analysis of EMIS records were conducted to identify statewide patterns of student attendance. Local attendance records from select school district were analyzed to further understand patterns of student attendance. The statewide survey collected data on how Ohio school districts and community schools operationalize and track excused and unexcused absence, and how districts use data to identify students in need of interventions. Findings from the EMIS data analysis, district deep dives, and statewide surveys were synthesized and presented in four guidance documents
Download Overview
Ohio Attendance Law (House Bill 410) Implementation Findings
Local District Attendance Strategies and Resources
Local District Attendance Policies
Local District Student Information Systems and Tracking Procedures