The Power of Presence

A Statewide Wake-Up Call

Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, has faced a troubling rise in chronic absenteeism. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning in ways we are still working to overcome. Add to that a string of devastating hurricane seasons, and too many of our students have fallen out of routine and out of reach.

But we’re not standing still. We recognized early that attendance had to be central to our Louisiana Comeback — and that commitment is already contributing to historic academic gains across the state.

Now, we’re ready for the next step.

Introducing: The Power of Presence

The Power of Presence is Louisiana’s renewed, strategic approach to student attendance. This framework offers school systems a clear and actionable guide for ensuring every student is seen, supported, and set up for success.

At its core, the Power of Presence is about prevention, intervention and partnerships: 

• Providing clear guidance that builds a coherent understanding of attendance expectations among all stakeholders; including students, families, school and system personnel, community members, and judicial partners.
• Offering differentiated, tiered support to schools and systems based on data-informed attendance needs.
• Assisting schools and systems in addressing the needs of students and families to overcome barriers that adversely affect school attendance.
• Promoting meaningful partnerships between schools, systems, and community agencies to improve attendance to maximize student success.

A Whole-of-Community Response

Chronic absenteeism is complex — and it can’t be solved by schools alone. That’s why the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is bringing together partners across state government, child welfare, courts, law enforcement, and faith-based communities to create shared responsibility for attendance.

Together, we’re building an environment where attendance isn’t just monitored — it’s championed.

Where We’re Headed

Louisiana is committed to transforming attendance from a compliance checkbox into a statewide movement. The Power of Presence is our roadmap — rooted in data, driven by relationships, and built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

We’ve seen what’s possible when Louisiana comes together. Now it’s time to show up — for our students, for our schools, and for our future.

Key Terms

Chronic Absenteeism: Students who are enrolled for at least 10 days and are absent 10% or more of days enrolled. Incorporates all absences: excused, unexcused, suspensions and expulsions.

Truancy: A student is considered truant once they receive five unexcused absences or five tardies in a semester.

Three-Tiered Attendance Strategy

Universal Support: Available to all school systems statewide

• Comprehensive guidance documents
• Regular data monitoring and reporting
• Monthly Attendance Calls & Office Hours
• Regional System Leader Collaboration sessions
• Teacher Leader Summit sessions

Intermediate Support: Targets school systems that are underperforming on multiple attendance indicators

• At least one monthly collaboration session with the LDOE Attendance Team
• Virtual Community of Practice events

Intensive Support: Designed for select districts with significant attendance challenges

• At least two monthly collaboration session with the LDOE Attendance Team
• Employing an Attendance Improvement Specialist