This publication provides a general description of the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS), standards governing the use of its data, descriptions of the data elements and CBEDS reports, guidelines for access to the data, and a data request form. The CBEDS database consists of three principal files: (1) enrollment and staff data for school districts and offices of county superintendents of schools, (2) school enrollment and staff data, and (3) individual professional assignment and classroom population data. The data may be released in aggregate or partial form to authorized agencies strictly on the basis of bona fide need for information. Only CBEDS staff have direct access to the computer file. The California Information Practices Act of 1977 governs the disclosure of certain CBEDS data, and the maintenance and dissemination of personal information are subject to strict limits. Examples of standard reports prepared from CBEDS data include school profiles, enrollment, ratio of administrators and teachers, salaries of professional staff, characteristics of professional staff, adult education, and equal employment opportunity. Ad hoc reports are drawn from the database as requested by the organizations to be served. (MLF)