Idaho's longitudinal data system for its K-12 public schools has been roundly panned in surveys of the members of the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Association of School Business Officials. The business managers survey found that only 1 percent rated the state Department of Education's overall job implementing the project, which is dubbed the "Idaho System for Education Excellence," positively, while 30.3 percent were neutral and 68.7 percent rated it negatively. Asked if their school district "fully understands the reasons for, and uses of, ISEE," 37.8 percent of the business managers said yes, while 62.2 percent said no. Among the school administrators, 91.2 percent said the ISEE has added "a great deal of additional work" for personnel in their school districts.

An overview and demonstration of the multimillion-dollar student data system, along with the survey results, is on the agenda for the Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee tomorrow, which is beginning its interim meeting and tour in Nampa. JFAC also will discuss school funding and the Idaho Education Network.