Researchers and education policy analysts pushed a new early-warning approach to chronic absenteeism by releasing an “Absence Forecast” tool that predicts which students are likely to miss 10% of school days before absences become chronic. The tool was developed by researchers at the American Enterprise Institute using district and state attendance data. The approach forecasts risk scores from 0–100% using prior-year monthly attendance patterns, current-year attendance to date, grade level, and eligibility for free and reduced-price lunches. Developers said the system is designed to be usable by district leaders without requiring staff to be researchers. The policy focus is on intervention timing—improving outreach and supports early in the school year rather than after attendance declines. The tool draws on research showing that proactive communication and early supports can reduce chronic absenteeism. While this is K–12 coverage, higher education institutions with feeder partnerships and student success programming will benefit from earlier identification of at-risk students who may enter postsecondary education with persistent attendance and engagement gaps.