States Struggle to Computerize School Records

Howard Woodard of the Georgia Department of Education said the state had spent millions trying to set up a student data system.

Nearly all states are building high-tech student data systems to collect, categorize and crunch the endless gigabytes of attendance logs, test scores and other information collected in public schools — and the projects in some states seem to have gone haywire.

Tito Craige, a high school social studies department chairman in North Carolina, said the state’s computer network was unreliable.

In North Carolina, a statewide school computer system known as NC WISE is years behind schedule, and estimated costs have risen to $250 million. Teachers have nicknamed it NC Stupid. California has spent $60 million on a system, and officials estimated that the state would spend an additional $60 million in coming years to help school districts connect to it.

And in Idaho, a private foundation spent $21 million on a data system for the public schools but pulled out when estimated completion costs hit $180 million.

"It metastasized way beyond the original concept," said Jason Hancock, an education analyst for the Idaho Legislature. "Costs ballooned, and the funders just pulled the plug."

By SAM DILLON

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/15/education/15computers.html?_r=1&oref=slogin