Student Absence File (N)

The following table shows the CEDARS field numbers, field names, the eSchoolPlus Tables and Columns and where the data is coming from in eSchoolPlus for the Student Absence File (N) State file.

N07 - Absence Code

This element indicates the Excused/Unexcused status and the amount of the day of the absence. Reports each absence for a student who is absent for at least part of their scheduled school day. Absences from Alternative Learning and Online classes that don’t require regular seat–time attendance are not reported. Students enrolled in more than one school will be reported as absent from each school, if applicable, based on the definitions for full day and part day as stated above. Students who are enrolled for only part of the day will be reported as absent in a part day or full day increment as stated above. For example, if a high school student is enrolled for only one period each day, they will be reported as a full day absence if they fail to attend that period.

Excused Absences

Excused absences from school as defined in WAC 392-401-020:

1. Absences due to the following reasons will be excused:
   1. Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
   2. Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
   3. Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
   4. Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
   5. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
   6. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
   7. Absence directly related to the student's homeless or foster care/dependency status;
   8. Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010;
   9. Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107;
   10. Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
   11. Absences due to a student's migrant status; and
   12. An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth.
   13. Absences due to the student's lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet access or connectivity.
2. In the event of emergency school facility closure due to COVID-19, other communicable disease outbreak, natural disaster, or other event when districts are required to provide synchronous and asynchronous instruction, absences due to the following reasons must be excused:
   1. Absences related to the student's illness, health condition, or medical appointments due to COVID-19 or other communicable disease;
   2. Absences related to caring for a family member who has an illness, health condition, or medical appointment due to COVID-19, other communicable disease, or other emergency health condition related to school facility closures;
   3. Absences related to the student's family obligations during regularly scheduled school hours that are temporarily necessary because of school facility closures, until other arrangements can be made; and
   4. Absences due to the student's parent's work schedule or other obligations during regularly scheduled school hours, until other arrangements can be made.
3. Districts may define additional categories or criteria for excused absences. A school principal or designee has the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria in subsections (1) and (2) of this section and school district policy for an excused absence.

Unexcused Absences

Any absence from school is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria above for an excused absence.

Part Day Absence

Student failing to attend a portion of the hours or periods in that student’s average school day of seat–time classes (less than 50% of the day absent).

Full Day Absence

Student failing to attend the majority of hours or periods in that student’s average school day of seat–time classes (50% or greater of the day absent).