Attendance by Design: How School Systems Turn Absence Into Presence (School Systems That Work)

Attendance by Design

How School Systems Turn Absence Into Presence
Christopher Luttrell, Ed.S.

Student attendance is often treated as a compliance issue—something schools monitor, report, and react to after problems appear. But what if attendance could be designed instead?

In Attendance by Design, educator and school leader Christopher Luttrell presents a practical, system-based approach that helps schools move beyond reactive responses and build structures that support consistent student attendance.

Drawing from real school leadership experience, this book introduces a clear framework that helps educators identify attendance risk early, organize intervention efforts, and create coordinated systems that keep students connected to school.

Instead of relying on punitive measures or last-minute interventions, Attendance by Design shows how schools can:

• Identify early warning signs using clear attendance data ranges
• Implement a three-tiered support system that matches interventions to student need
• Use teacher outreach, relationship supports, and family partnerships to prevent chronic absenteeism
• Conduct biweekly attendance review cycles that guide team decision-making
• Manage intervention caseloads so staff can focus on the students who need support most
• Build staff buy-in and create a culture where attendance is everyone’s responsibility

This book provides school leaders with practical tools, real-world examples, and implementation strategies that can be applied immediately in elementary, middle, or high school settings.

At its core, Attendance by Design reframes attendance as something schools can actively shape. When systems are clear, relationships are prioritized, and data is used intentionally, schools can transform absence into presence—and ensure that more students show up ready to learn.

Perfect for:

• Principals and assistant principals
• Deans of students and behavior specialists
• MTSS and PBIS teams
• Attendance teams and district leaders
• Educators working to reduce chronic absenteeism

Attendance by Design is part of the School Systems That Work Leadership Series, a collection of practical frameworks that help educators build systems where students and staff can succeed.