This report summarizes the findings of the Long Beach (California) Unified School District's first Database Management Information System Survey. These findings are based on the responses of 71,521 parents, students in grades 4-12, and school site staff members. Each school independently selected items from a research-based data bank to develop…

This essay reviews current policy issues regarding statewide educational databases. It begins by defining the major characteristics of a database and raising two questions: (1) Is it really necessary to have a statewide educational database? (2) What is the primary rationale for creating one? The limitations of databases in formulating educational…

This report addresses the technical and legal issues attendant to the implementation of a comprehensive student information system in California. It documents the legislative origins of the study and the conditions of state-level information systems within California and other states. It then describes the legal issues arising from the collection,…