Core Feature

ABC Early Warning

Attendance. Behavior. Course Performance. Three metrics that predict student success—monitored in real-time.

See It in Action

The ABC Framework

Students are scored on three dimensions, each worth 0-2 points. Higher points indicate higher risk.

Attendance

Based on absence rate, using the federal definition of chronic absenteeism (≥10% of school days).

< 5% absence0 points

5% - 9.9% absence1 point

≥ 10% absence2 points

Behavior

Based on disciplinary incidents, counting all severity levels (minor, moderate, major, severe).

0 incidents0 points

1-2 incidents1 point

≥ 3 incidents2 points

Course Performance

Based on GPA and failing courses on a 4.0 scale. One failing course triggers a point even with good GPA.

GPA ≥ 3.0, 0 failing0 points

GPA 2.0-2.99 or 1 failing1 point

GPA < 2.0 or 2+ failing2 points

Risk Levels & Intervention Tiers

Total ABC points (0-6) determine which intervention tier a student needs.

Tier 1

0-2 pts

Tier 2

3-4 pts

Tier 3

5-6 pts

Low Risk

Medium Risk

High Risk

Tier 1(0-2 pts)

Universal instruction and support. Student is on track.

Action: Standard monitoring

Tier 2(3-4 pts)

Targeted support needed. Student showing warning signs.

Action: Intervention plan

Tier 3(5-6 pts)

Intensive intervention required. Student at significant risk.

Action: Immediate intervention

Automatic Alert Generation

AcumenEd automatically generates alerts when students hit critical thresholds.

CRITICAL

Chronic Absence (≥10% absence rate)

Student has missed 10% or more of school days

CRITICAL

Suspension

Student has been suspended

CRITICAL

Multiple Failing Courses (2+)

Student is failing two or more courses

WARNING

Approaching Chronic Absence (5-9.9%)

Student is on track for chronic absenteeism

WARNING

Low SCGP Growth (<25th percentile)

Student's growth is in the bottom quartile

WARNING

Grade Drop

Significant decline in GPA from previous grading period

Why Early Warning Works

Intervene at Tier 2, Not Tier 3

By the time a student hits Tier 3, they've likely missed significant instruction. ABC catches problems early.

Data-Driven Prioritization

With limited counseling resources, focus on students with the highest risk scores first.

Track Intervention Effectiveness

See whether interventions are working by monitoring ABC scores over time.

FERPA-Compliant Sharing

Share appropriate risk information with teachers, counselors, and parents within FERPA guidelines.

Learn more about implementing effective early warning systems

Early Warning Systems10 min

The Human Element: Why Data-Driven Early Warning Still Depends on Caring Adults

Algorithms identify at-risk students, but humans change their trajectories. Understanding the irreplaceable role of relationships in early warning success.

Dr. Sarah Chen

Early Warning Systems11 min

Beyond ABC: The Next Generation of Leading Indicators for Student Success

While ABC indicators remain foundational, emerging research points to new leading indicators—including SEL data and student voice—that can predict risk earlier.

Dr. Sarah Chen

Early Warning Systems14 min

Lessons from the Field: What Five Years of Early Warning System Implementation Has Taught Us

After years of EWS implementations, clear patterns have emerged about what works, what doesn't, and what schools wish they had known from the start.

James Okonkwo

Early Warning Systems12 min

From Alerts to Action: Building Response Protocols That Close the Loop

The best early warning system is useless without a clear response protocol. Learn how successful schools are turning data alerts into student support.

Dr. Sarah Chen