Turning Attendance Data Into Actionable Early Interventions
In South Carolina, attendance data isn’t just a record — it’s a tool for action. By standardizing data through the Ed-Fi Data Standard, the state built real-time dashboards that help educators spot trends and respond sooner.
With support from Education Analytics and Attendance Works, the dashboards give schools and districts a clear view of attendance patterns. Teachers and administrators can break down the data by risk level, absence type, demographics, or grade level, helping them quickly identify individual students who may need additional support.
With the tool now used across every district in the state, school and state leaders have consistent data to analyze trends, align resources, and coordinate support.
Early Action, Real Support for Students and Families
Absenteeism was once met with letters home, disciplinary action, or even court referrals. Real-time dashboards have helped shift the approach. Educators can now see attendance changes in real time and contact families before a pattern of absence takes hold, reshaping the conversation. Instead of a punitive response, the focus becomes partnership.
This shift is helping schools engage families, connect students with services like health and counseling, and expand access to learning. Dashboards include guardian contact information, enabling quick follow-up when support is needed most.
Protecting the Funding That Supports Students
Chronic absenteeism doesn’t just impact learning – it threatens school funding. In South Carolina, students who miss 10 consecutive days must be dropped from enrollment. When enrollment drops, so does funding for teachers, programs, and student services.
By intervening earlier, districts are helping students stay enrolled and protecting the resources that keep schools strong. District leaders are already using these insights to guide staffing and support, ensuring dollars are directed where they’ll have the greatest impact.
From Attendance to Whole-Student Insight
By building on the Ed-Fi Data Standard, South Carolina is making attendance data more actionable and connected. Schools can combine it with grades and behavior data to quickly create a fuller picture of each student’s experience. “For conversations centered on a student, the student profile brings relevant information together in one place, helping educators engage in more informed, productive discussions,” said Wendy Burgess, Director of Teaching and Learning at Laurens County School District 55.
With this holistic view, educators can quickly identify and respond to challenges that may impact attendance and learning. This early alert system helps educators respond faster, provide the right support – at the right time – to keep more students engaged in learning every day.
