This report addresses the technical and legal issues attendant to the implementation of a comprehensive student information system in California. It documents the legislative origins of the study and the conditions of state-level information systems within California and other states. It then describes the legal issues arising from the collection, use, and distribution of student information. The latter part of the report is directed toward California's policy analysis needs and discusses how a model state-level student information system could be implemented for subsequent evaluation. The final chapter provides a series of 14 findings and 9 recommendations for future action. Appended are (1) a sample questionnaire used to solicit information from California and other states; (2) characteristics of student information systems in other states; and (3) candidates for data elements to be maintained by segmental offices. Statistics and diagrams are included. (TE)