There is a lack of funding for improving the existing system. High turn over rate in data entry personnel. Low paid position with high expectations. Instances are isolated. Believe a majority of educators in Texas are doing what they should be doing and doing it ethically.
Interpretation is the point of vulnerability.
A student who has returned to Mexico on a leaver code doesn't count as a dropout. If you're in a border district and don't know where the student is, may be tempted to assume returned to Mexico. It's a huge burden to receive reports on the Friday before the Christmas holiday break and have them due the first week after the new year. It's a burden in terms of finding personnel at the different campuses to assist with clarifications, since staff is out for the break, and if someone can be brought in there is additional payroll expense involved. The recognized schools are underreporting - if the data is examined at that level, this is what one sees in many instances, statewide.