School Improvement

Attendance Matters!

Published: 8/3/2026 9:34 AM

You Belong Attendance Matters

Resources For Families

You and Your Child Matter
Am I too Sick for School or Work? (Kentucky Public Health)
Helping with Anxiety (Attendance Works)

Resources for Community Leaders

For Business Leaders: Why Attendance Matters (Attendance Works)
For Mayors and City Leaders: Why Engagement and Attendance Matters (Attendance Works)
10 Steps Communities Can Take to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism (Attendance Works)

Digital Attendance Matters Banners for School and Community Partners

Banner Option 1
Banner Option 2
Banner Option 3

Resources for Educators

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) provides a variety of supports to schools and districts to identify students who may become chronically absent. Communicating with stakeholders is one of the first important steps in ensuring a strong attendance culture. Customizable resources that districts and school leaders can personalize with local content and branding for communication with stakeholders are available in the Chronic Absenteeism Toolkit.

Chronic Absenteeism Toolkit

Kentucky Resources and Data Tools

Chronic Absenteeism Frequently Asked Questions

Attendance data for monitoring and intervention can be found on KDE's Dropout Prevention and Persistence to Graduation website.

Infinite Campus Chronic Absenteeism Report Quick Reference Card

Overview Video of Early Warning and Insights for Chronic Absenteeism: EdTech Webcast

Infinite Campus Transient Student Population Report Quick Reference Card

KDE Pupil Attendance Program Documents

Health and Attendance Downloadable Resources

Attendance Works - Health Guidance for Going to School - English Version

Attendance Works - Health Guidance for Going to School - Spanish Version

Attendance Works Health Handouts for Families

What is Chronic Absenteeism and How Does It Impact Students and Schools?

Kentucky defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent or more of the enrolled academic year for any reason (excused and unexcused). That means a student missing 2 days per month of school over the course of a school year results in being chronically absent. This differs from truancy which counts only unexcused absences and tardies. When students miss school, they miss out on learning, friendships, and so many other opportunities.

Informational Handouts

Chronic Absenteeism at a Glance

One-Page Overview of Strategies for Educators (adapted from Attendance Works)

You Belong Attendance Matters English