Data on teacher absenteeism in the U.S. as a whole as well as in specific states and districts indicate that the problem is serious and growing. A review of research findings on more than 15 factors affecting teacher absenteeism shows that time of year, levels of faculty agreement and community support, teacher interdependence, and requirements for personal reporting of absences to supervisors have strong impacts on absenteeism. Researchers have also identified six major costs of teacher absenteeism, including increased financial expenses, instructional costs (because substitutes are less effective), loss of management time, organizational costs, lost time for student programs, and loss of credibility with the public. Three general solutions are recommended: documenting the extent of the problem, making absenteeism an important issue, and involving teachers' immediate supervisors in approving absences. Another 20 recommendations are also listed. Examples from six districts in five states illustrate ways to use paraprofessionals instead of substitutes, to handle sick leave accumulation, and to reward good attendance. (RW)