Education data are notably lacking in outcomes of school programs. Much of the data on poverty is in case files and thus tends to be more useful for deciding program eligibility than for program evaluation and research. The Alabama report observed that access to information is greatly dependent on the policies of the leaders of each department and agency, and such policies vary greatly. The state has few laws regarding the type of data to be made available and the public s access to it. Acquiring state data is often a very time-consuming and cumbersome task.
Most staff are unaware of information outside their own department.
Personal contacts and relationships are often essential for acquiring data in a timely manner. Education data on demographic characteristics are only available at the school system level. Health data omit income and quality of care variables. Simultaneously, we will be bringing together appropriate national-level partners to deal with this important issue in Congress and with the Administration. Taking full advantage of new communications technologies will be a central goal.