Knowledge is power.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - SchoolMatters.com

A Web-based national education data service that provides in-depth information and analysis about public schools, districts and state education systems, is now available to all SO states. At SchoolMatters.com you can find information on student achievement, financial resources and demographic breakdowns along with powerful analytical tools and objective analyses provided by Standard & Poor's.

"Better information is critical to making better policy decisions that will improve our country's education system," says Eli Broad, founder of The Broad Foundation, a co-founder along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of the project.

The type of information available on SchoolMatters.com varies by state. Among the information the Web site provides is:

* Student proficiency results on statewide reading and math tests, broken down by student subgroups and grades, for every public school, district and state.

* Students' demographic information including socio-economic, special education and English language learner populations at the school, district and state levels.

* District and state financial data like spending allocations, revenue streams, staff compensation and long-term debt.

* Community demographic data, such as...