AttendNC Counts

Practical tools translate what the research base suggests into daily and weekly routines schools and PSUs can actually run. These resources support consistent implementation of core attendance strategies, including proactive Tier 1 supports, targeted outreach for emerging risk, barrier reduction through coordinated supports, and continuous monitoring to adjust quickly. 

Examples of tools and routines: 

• Standardized attendance team workflows, including meeting cadence, agendas, documentation
• Early warning and prioritization supports (e.g., student risk flags, triage guides, follow-up timelines)
• Family engagement materials such as communication scripts, message templates, bilingual handouts
• Barrier problem-solving tools such as intake questions, resource navigation, warm handoffs)

• Monitoring and learning tools (e.g.,trackers, dashboards guidance, fidelity and reflection prompts)

AttendNC Bright Spots is our approach to identifying and sharing peer-tested practices that improve attendance. Using data and peer comparisons to surface attendance “bright spots,” we then work with participating schools and PSUs to document what they did, why it worked in their context, and what others need to know to implement with fidelity while adapting to local conditions. 

You’ll see: 

• Short, plain-language stories of practice change grounded in real routines
• Implementation notes tied to common evidence-based strategies such as family engagement, barrier reduction, school climate and belonging, and tiered supports
• Context and transfer guidance, including staffing, partnerships, and timelines
• Artifacts you can reuse (e.g., meeting agendas, outreach scripts, and tracking tools)

2025 AttendNC Bright Spots

AttendNC provides data and support to help schools and PSUs interpret attendance measures consistently and access actionable information for improvement. Resources include shared definitions and calculation notes, FAQs, and the publication of datasets, dashboards, and reporting products that support early identification, subgroup and context interpretation, and progress monitoring. 

Examples of what you’ll find: 

• Public-facing datasets and summary tables
• Shared definitions and calculation notes for attendance, chronic absenteeism thresholds, membership days, etc.
• Dashboards and reporting products for schools, PSUs, and statewide monitoring
• Data “how-to” guides and interpretation guidance (trend vs. snapshot, subgroup and context considerations)

AttendNC Counts supports a statewide community of practice through NCDPI-facilitated webinars, newsletters, in-person learning opportunities, and technical assistance that help schools, districts, and partners learn from one another and strengthen attendance practice over time. This work is designed to connect people around shared learning, practical problem-solving, and the spread of promising practices. The AttendNC Hub serves as the repository for products developed through these activities, providing a single place to access recordings, briefs, templates, tools, and other resources.

Examples of what you’ll find:

• Webinar recordings, slide decks, and related resources
• Newsletters and updates highlighting bright spots and practical ideas
• Materials from in-person convenings and learning sessions
• Technical assistance products, including tools, templates, and guides