Idaho Schools Not Happy with Performance Tracking System

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Software to track and improve Idaho student performance isn't working as planned, according to educators who complained about the program this week. The Idaho Statesman reported Friday much of the Schoolnet system sits idle in the Meridian School District, Idaho's largest, because many teachers and administrators don't trust data it's supposed to be helping track.

Cindy Sisson, Meridian School District curriculum director, says teachers are "really frustrated." The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation paid for Idaho to use the system for three years, though Idaho is due to start paying the $4.5 million annual cost starting next year. So far, Schoolnet is in 57 school districts, or about half those in Idaho. Tom Luna, superintendent of public instruction, acknowledged problems, but says the program remains in its initial phase.