This statement outlines reasons why a student identifier linked to students STAR test scores and demographic data would offer the opportunity to improve the quality of information California uses to evaluate both schools and programs and would facilitate better service provision to students. The primary benefit of a statewide student identified (ID) would be the ability to link students records over time, regardless of whether students stay in the same schools or districts. Such an ID would allow researchers and other users to answer questions about the growth trajectories of different types of students. A student ID would make it possible to examine students transitions from one school to another, and it would dramatically improve the quality of research and evaluation that is done on local and state initiatives. (SLD)