Keeping track of student attendance is a vital aspect of any educational institution. PowerSchool, a popular student information system, provides a comprehensive platform for managing attendance records. Understanding the attendance codes used in PowerSchool is crucial for both teachers and parents to accurately assess a student's attendance patterns. In this blog post, we will explore the common attendance codes in PowerSchool and shed light on their meanings.

Present (P): The "P" attendance code indicates that the student was present during the specified class or session. It implies that the student attended the class or participated in the activity as scheduled. This code is straightforward and serves as the baseline for regular attendance.

Absent (A): When an instructor marks a student with an "A" code, it denotes their absence from a class or session without any valid reason or prior approval. This code suggests that the student was expected to attend but was not present. Teachers use this code to highlight unexcused absences.

Excused Absence (E): An "E" attendance code is assigned when a student's absence from a class or session is excused. Excused absences typically occur due to valid reasons such as illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, or school-sanctioned activities. It is important for parents or guardians to provide proper documentation or notify the school to have an absence excused.

Tardy (T): A "T" attendance code indicates that the student arrived late to a class or session. It implies that the student was present but was not on time. Tardiness may be caused by various reasons such as transportation issues, oversleeping, or other unavoidable circumstances. Consistent tardiness can affect a student's academic performance, so it's essential to address this issue promptly.

Early Departure (ED): The "ED" attendance code is used when a student leaves a class or session before it officially ends. It suggests that the student was present but left early for a valid reason, such as a medical appointment or personal commitment. Schools often require prior approval or parental consent for early departures.

Unexcused Absence (UA): When a student is absent from a class or session without a valid reason or without prior approval, an "UA" attendance code is assigned. Unexcused absences may result from skipping classes, truancy, or unapproved activities. Schools usually have policies in place to address unexcused absences, as they can impact a student's academic progress and may lead to disciplinary actions.

Late Arrival (LA): The "LA" attendance code is assigned when a student arrives late to a class or session but within a specified grace period. Unlike a tardy, a late arrival indicates that the student is not marked as present for the entire duration of the class. Schools usually define a grace period within which a late arrival can still be considered present.

Understanding the attendance codes in PowerSchool plays a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating a student's attendance patterns. It helps teachers identify areas of concern and address them promptly. For parents, keeping track of these codes enables better collaboration with educators to support their child's academic progress. By decoding the attendance codes in PowerSchool, we can ensure accurate attendance records and foster a culture of regular attendance, ultimately contributing to student success. That's where Level Data comes in.

Unlock the power of Level Data's RealTime Reports, revolutionizing the way your schools access and leverage data with precision. Our advanced system is designed to swiftly identify and alert you to potential discrepancies, including unexcused absences and inaccurate codes. With this valuable insight at your fingertips, you can take prompt action and provide the necessary support to ensure your students thrive.