• Data Transparency: OSSE collects attendance data for all students in a school, regardless of age, and compiles that data in an annual public report and two Mid-Year Attendance Briefs. The information is provided for community members, school officials, and policymaker to respond to trends and changes in a timely manner so that the entire District can work together toward the goal of having every student attend school every day.  
• Enrollment Accuracy: Accurate attendance data depends on accurate enrollment data. OSSE will conduct an SY 2025-26 enrollment audit. LEAs will be responsible for entering and certifying that enrollment data is accurate, valid and complete. The Enrollment Data Freeze is scheduled for October 6, 2025, followed by a review and correction period from October 7–9. By November 14, 2025, Heads of School must certify that the data in EACCA meets all accuracy and completeness standards. Please refer to the key dates listed below for the full timeline.   
• Residency Verification: A DC Residency Verification Form is required for all students enrolling in a public or public charter school in the District regardless of residency verification status. LEAs shall upload all residency forms and supporting residency documents to their enrollment audit folder in Box by the LEA e-file.  
• Parent Outreach: To support schools and families with addressing chronic absenteeism, OSSE disseminates a multilingual Resource Guide to parents and legal guardians of students who have accrued 10 or more unexcused absences via postal mail and text messaging. The guide includes information on what parents or legal guardians can do to prevent truancy, an overview of the District of Columbia’s laws and regulations related to absenteeism and truancy, and a link to attendance.dc.gov, where families can access additional resources and support.
• Community of Practice: OSSE invites all schools designated for school improvement to participate in a Reducing Chronic Absenteeism Community of Practice. This exclusive opportunity will offer expert- and peer-learning on best practices for supporting student attendance. 

Below are resources to support LEAs in implementing attendance strategies. 

• 2025-26 School Year OSSE Calendar Guidance and Key Links 
• Attendance and Truancy Resources for Schools   
• Using Data to Improve School Attendance (This OSSE webinar reviews best practices for effectively using data at your school or LEA to improve student attendance.)  
• School Year Attendance Data (Mid-year attendance briefs and data files) 
• Office of Enrollment and Residency Handbook (School Year 2025-26)  
• Residency Verification Forms & Webinar 
• Every Day Counts! Task Force 
• Attendance Works resources: District and School Team Yearly Attendance Activities Plan (Samples)