This study compares student populations between two high schools in an urban school district in Indiana and populations within the schools to determine the effects of a punitive attendance policy and the attendance patterns of various groups. The schools were differentiated by the factor of one school enforcing an attendance policy. Random samples were classified into student groups having high grades, low grades, high absences, low absences, high ability, and low ability. Literature research on attendance policies is reviewed in the study's second section. The third section discusses characteristics of students who are most likely to be absent. Responses of student groups to policy implementation are examined in section 4. Section 5 demonstrates the relationship of the literature to the study. Research findings include: (1) an attendance policy curbs absences during the first semester but not during the second; (2) an attendance policy does not affect grades earned; (3) a relationship between ability and attendance cannot be established; and (4) an attendance policy is not a factor in relating good attendance and high achievement. Recommendations include a longitudinal study of an attendance policy's effect on absences and achievement and an investigation that involves a greater variety of subgroups. The study includes 29 charts, 3 pages of references, and 3 appendices. (CJH)