Here's a story that ran today in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Bad news for plan to keep track of students

State revenue drop results in $65 million budget cut
By Ed Mendel
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
July 23, 2007

After a decade of dabbling, California finally seemed ready to spend serious money to develop a computerized student-tracking system to accurately compile dropout rates, transfer student records and do basic research.

But a sharp dip in revenue last month caused state budget-writers to cut $65 million that would have pumped up the program, leaving California further from an important education tool that is up and running in many states.

The lack of a student information system keeps educators in the dark about what works and what doesn't work, some educators say.

When researchers in March presented nearly two dozen studies of California schools, requested by the governor and legislators as a road map to reform, they were sharply critical of the lack of student data.

"Our information systems are so inadequate, that even if we implemented reforms that were particularly effective, we might not realize it," said the "Getting Down to Facts" report.

"Similarly, we cannot be confident that we can recognize and weed out programs that are ineffective at improving student achievements," said the report funded by four foundations.

Visit the link below to read more...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20070723-9999-1n23tracking.html