This procedures manual is intended to provide guidance to Maine school officials for developing strategies and policies to assure regular attendance of students in school. Part 1 examines factors affecting school attendance, noting that the school and home may serve as enablers for the student who becomes unaccountable for attendance. These enabling factors may include the following: (1) failure to confront excessive absences; (2) acceptance of late homework; (3) establishing vague or unenforceable discipline policies; (4) attributing attendance problems to the family only, but not involving the family in the solution; (5) failure to establish school expectancies and recognition of regular attendance; and (6) setting low expectations for students. Part 2 reviews the steps to be followed in developing appropriate and effective policies. Parental support, cooperation, and active involvement, as well as community responsibility for supporting and promoting school attendance are emphasized. Part 3 examines the role of the attendance coordinator. Under current Maine law, each school unit must designate an attendance coordinator who is professionally qualified to carry out the duties. The coordinator must work with all staff and community persons to determine the causes of the irregular attendance. Part 4 provides a summary of Maine statues related to attendance. Complete sections of Maine statutes are contained in an appendix. (LLL)