Oregon Student Attendance Has Increased
Statewide data shows thousands more students are attending classes regularly.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Oregon has seen a steady rise in student attendance, with 3,111 more students meeting the state threshold of regular attendance during the 2024-25 school year compared to the prior year. This marks a 4.6% increase in regular attendance across the state since the governor took office.
Why it matters
Regular attendance is directly linked to better academic outcomes in reading and math, as well as higher graduation rates. Improved attendance tracking helps schools and families address barriers such as housing and transportation that often cause chronic absenteeism.
The state defines regular attendance as students who attend at least 90% of their enrolled days. During the 2024-25 school year, Oregon saw 3,111 additional students achieve this status, following a previous period that recorded an increase of 2,655 regularly attending students.
The players
Tina Kotek
The Governor of Oregon who signed legislation requiring quarterly attendance reporting to help track and improve student performance.
The details
To monitor progress, Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4154, which mandates that schools report attendance data on a quarterly basis. This real-time tracking allows schools to collaborate more effectively with families and community partners. By identifying issues like transportation gaps or housing challenges early, educators can provide support to remove barriers before they lead to chronic absenteeism.
Timeline
The 2024-25 school year saw 3,111 more regularly attending students.
Lawmakers passed House Bill 4154 during the 2026 legislative session.
Governor Kotek announced the three-year attendance improvement in September 2026.
The Home Front
This progress aligns with the implementation of House Bill 4154, which standardized real-time data collection across the state. By moving toward mandatory quarterly reporting, the state has prioritized a consistent approach to tracking student engagement.
If your child has struggled with attendance, inquire with their school about the support services available for transportation or family housing needs. Use the quarterly reporting transparency to stay informed on your student's attendance records throughout the school year.
The takeaway
Consistent school attendance is a cornerstone of academic success for children across Oregon. Keep a record of your student's attendance status each quarter to ensure they remain on track for graduation and academic growth.
Further reading
You can find more resources and updates on school requirements in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATU.
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