Resources for Students, Families and Community Members

Thank you for supporting student attendance and engagement in school! This page offers health guidance for when students can go to school as well as resources to support regular attendance and Frequently Asked Questions.

How can we help? This toolkit includes ideas and connections to resources that can help your child get to school regularly.

When to Go to School - Health Guidance; Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chuukese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Mam, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
10 day drop explainer: Why students are unenrolled when they miss 10 or more days. Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chuukese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Mam, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Attendance Tracker - Spanish - Keep track of missed days. Print this sheet and hang it on your refrigerator or another central place in your home. It will help avoid surprises!
Tips for Getting Out the Door - Spanish, Russian
Tips to Improve Your Childs Attendance - Spanish, Russian

outlines of seven people, each in a different color of the rainbow, with speech bubbles

Community Leaders

You can support student attendance, belonging and engagement in your community

Learn more about how to support attendance through the Community Cares Resource and the Positive Community Connections Resource with draft scripts and postcard note templates.

Student, Family and Community Member FAQs

Where can I find out about attendance laws in Oregon?

Schools and districts design attendance policies that support student learning and align with these rules and statutes. Please visit the Attendance Laws and Rules webpage to learn more.

What if my student misses school due to chronic medical issues?

Schools and districts have processes to help address absences missed due to medical issues. Be sure to talk with your student’s school counselor or principal to access the supports your student will need.

My student’s absences are all excused. Why is the school still concerned about these absences?

Research tells us that when students miss school for any reason, excused or unexcused, this creates a gap in their learning. This learning gap becomes significant when a student misses 10% or more of school. Though these absences may be excused, the student would still be considered chronically absent, and the school would likely be concerned for your student’s academic success.

What attendance level is required for graduation?

Oregon law does not specify a specific attendance rate for receiving a diploma. Diploma requirements include credit in specific areas, as well as meeting personalized learning requirements. However, participation in graduation ceremonies is a school activity, and districts may set forth guidelines for participation in school activities.

Can an 18 year old student excuse their absences?

A student who reaches the age of 18 is considered to be an “eligible student”. Oregon law transfers educational rights as outlined in OAR 581-021-0240 and ORS 326.565.

If you have questions or are looking for specific information related to attendance, please contact us at: ODE.EII@ode.oregon.gov.