Understanding Attendance Data

Cautions | Definitions | Calculating Rates | Sources of Data | Using WINSS

Caution

In 2004-05, the School Performance Report Attendance Collection was replaced by the Individual Student Enrollment System (ISES). 2004-05 data should be interpreted with caution for the following reasons:

• 2004-05 was a year of transition to a new attendance data collection, and as a result 2004-05 attendance data may not be comprehensive.
• Major changes were made in the way data were submitted in 2004-05, and the criteria for counting attendance days were made more explicit. Increases and decreases in attendance rates from 2003-04 to 2004-05 may to some extent be due to changes in the way the data were collected so may not always reflect actual increases or decreases in attendance rates.

How is attendance defined?

Attendance is face-to-face instructional contact between a student and a teacher. It is collected for the entire school year. The attendance rate is calculated by dividing actual days of attendance by possible days of attendance, and expressing the quotient as a percentage. The smallest reportable unit of attendance is one-half day.

What is meant by "possible" and "actual" days of attendance?

Possible days of attendance is the total number of days of face-to-face instructional contact between a student and a teacher that could occur in the school calendar established by the school district. Actual days of attendance is the total number of days of face-to-face instruction between a student and a teacher during a school year. Both are reported to the half-day.

For the purposes of this report, one hour of instruction is equal to one-half day.

How are attendance rates calculated?

Attendance rates are calculated by dividing the sum of the actual days of attendance by the sum of the possible days of attendance. Sums include all students for whom data are available.

What is the grade range covered by attendance rates?

Wisconsin collects and reports attendance data for all students regardless of grade. Data are disaggregated by grade and in several other ways. For grade level disaggregation purposes students below 5-year-old kindergarten are counted in a single group called Pre-K or Pre-Kindergarten. Students in this Pre-K group include students with grade level codes K3, K4, and PK in our individual student data collection.

Where do the data come from?

Beginning with 2004-05, attendance rates are based on data collected by the Individual Student Enrollment System (ISES). Enrollment is also based on ISES beginning in 2004-05 and is provided for background informational purposes only (not used in calculating attendance rates).

Prior to 2004-05, attendance rates were based on the School Performance Report aggregate collection. "Enrollment" by disability status for 2002-03 and 2003-04 were based on the PI 2197 Federal Student Data Collection (AKA December 1 Child Count) and the PI 1290. All other enrollment counts were based on the PI-1290.

Where can I get more information about using data on WINSS?

For more information about the WINSS Data Analysis Section, see Data Analysis Section - Frequently Asked Questions and/or Tips for First-time Users of the Data Analysis Section.

You can download all data on WINSS for any specific WINSS data question. When data are updated on WINSS the download files are also updated. Links are provided near the bottom of WINSS graph pages. See WINSS Download Options for more information.

Attendance rates are publicly reported annually as part of the School Performance Report (SPR). WINSS is one way local and state attendance rates are disseminated.

See the Data Errata page for corrections submitted by school districts after final publication of WINSS and other reports.

Questions or comments regarding the School Performance Report should be directed to the SPR Coordinator, 608-267-3166.

For questions about this information, contact dpistats@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-3166

Last updated on 12/16/2011 8:40:05 AM