The Truancy & Attendance Learning and Knowledge Sharing (T.A.L.K.S.) series provides a collaborative space for district attendance and truancy liaisons to connect and share insights across the state.

In this final session, OSPI will extend the discussion with an additional half hour featuring CJ Hawkins, Online Learning and School Choice Program Supervisor, who will address questions about Truancy and Alternative Learning Environments (ALE).

Join Attendance Works for the second webinar in the 2025 Attendance Awareness Campaign. This session will explore strategies to reduce chronic absence and support student well-being. Discover how to address health and mental health challenges, partner with schools and communities, and promote the importance of regular attendance while understanding health-related absences.

Gain practical, evidence-based tools to improve attendance and create a healthier, more supportive learning environment.

With targeted, data-driven campaigns and supportive family engagement, schools can enhances enrollment, attendance, and community connection.

How Do They Work?

1. Analyze attendance data to identify challenges.
2. Investigate systemic barriers using additional data, surveys, or interviews.
3. Assess available resources (staff, time, budget) to shape your plan.
4. Create and execute your campaign.
5. Evaluate results and use insights to refine future campaigns.

For many valid reasons, students are absent from school. However, even when there is communication from the parent, absences add up and can significantly impact a student’s
progress towards learning. To that end, in addition to the legal requirements for elementary excused absences, there is regulatory authority for districts to address excessive excused absences.

RCW 28A.225.020(2) establishes district authority to create policies addressing excused absences. 

WAC 392-401-020 outlines the reasons student absences must be excused. This rule also clarifies that a school principal or designee has the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria for an excused absence as outlined in this section of the WAC and their school district policy for excused absences.

Therefore, a district is authorized to establish a policy that would stop excusing absences, even if the reason for the absence is articulated in WAC 392-401-020. Districts are strongly encouraged to develop a policy and procedure to address excessive excused absences; and ensure that families and students are aware of them.