Reducing chronic absenteeism remains a critical priority for the 2026–27 school year. Consistent student attendance is foundational to academic engagement and long-term success. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is committed to supporting local education agencies (LEAs) with timely and actionable data, aligned policy guidance, and targeted training and technical assistance. This approach empowers LEA leaders to reframe absenteeism through a whole-child lens, cultivating a culture of attendance where students feel supported and thrive.
To strengthen this commitment, the District of Columbia has signed onto the 50% Challenge, a national initiative to cut chronic absence in half. To meet this shared goal, OSSE is strategically focused on coordinated interventions that address the root causes of absence, school-home-community partnerships, and strong attendance systems.
Point of Contact
Aric Fulton, State Attendance Coordinator
[email protected]
- 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 the OSSE Attendance Dashboard. The information is provided for community members, school officials, and policymakers 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 a 2026–27 school year 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 Oct. 5, 2026, followed by a review and correction period from October 6-8. By Dec. 11, 2026, Heads of School must certify that the data in the Enrollment Audit and Child Count Application (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 their residency verification status. LEAs shall upload all residency forms and supporting residency documents to their enrollment audit folder in Box via the LEA e-file.
- Parent Outreach: To support schools and families in addressing truancy, OSSE provides a Resource Guide to parents and legal guardians of students with 10 or more unexcused absences via email and text message, as well as selected postal mailings. The guide includes information on what parents or legal guardians can do to prevent truancy, an overview of the District's laws and regulations related to absenteeism and truancy, and a link to attendance.dc.gov, where families can access additional resources and support. To ensure families receive this important information, OSSE encourages schools to keep parent and family contact information up to date in their student information systems.
- Community of Practice: OSSE invites all schools designated for school improvement to participate in the Reducing Chronic Absenteeism Community of Practice and accompanying technical assistance. This exclusive opportunity will offer expert- and peer-learning on best practices for supporting student attendance. For more information, please email [email protected].
Below are resources to support LEAs in implementing attendance strategies.
- 2026-27 School Year OSSE Calendar Guidance and Key Links
- Attendance and Truancy Resources for Schools
- OSSE's Attendance Dashboard
- School Year Attendance Data (Mid-year attendance briefs and data files)
- Office of Enrollment and Residency Handbook (School Year 2026-27)
- Residency Verification Forms & Webinar
- Every Day Counts! Task Force
- Attendance Works resources: District and School Team Yearly Attendance Activities Plan (Samples)
Enrollment Data Freeze, Correction, & Certification:
- Oct. 5, 2026 – Enrollment Data Freeze
- Oct. 6–8, 2026 – Review and correct student information system (SIS) to ensure all students are listed in EACCA
- Oct. 9, 2026 – Head of School certifies that all students are listed in EACCA
- Oct. 23, 2026 – Submit OSSE Support Tool (OST) tickets for any enrollment audit or Child Count issues the LEA is unable to resolve
- Nov. 10, 2026 – LEA resolves and corrects data directly in SIS and Special Programs
- Nov. 13, 2026 – Head of School certifies that data in EACCA is accurate, valid, and complete
- Dec. 11, 2026 – Head of School certifies all students are listed in EACCA
Residency Documentation:
- Nov. 30, 2026 – Final opportunity for LEAs to submit residency documentation in EACCA for review
- Dec. 10, 2026 – LEAs can view determinations for any final documentation submitted in EACCA