Since Illinois began compiling and releasing reports on the performance of its public schools in 1985, 15 other states have implemented the same idea. While the specific content varies from state to state, they usually contain data on a school's discipline problems, dropout rates, teachers' salaries and SAT college-entrance scores -- then compare a school with district averages and with the rest of the state.

Another 24 states report at least test scores and attendance.

• Along with other data, Illinois reports how many minutes each school spends teaching English, math and science each day; how many youngsters have missed 10 or more school days; and how many children move from one school to another each year.

• Texas uses an Internet site to report on how many students in certain grades at each school passed state reading tests, student/teacher ratios, average daily attendance, what percentage of teachers had more than 10 years experience, the school's budget and much more.

• Virginia's report card includes such diverse data as how many students were caught with guns or drugs at each school and how many take accelerated courses or graduate with advanced diplomas.

• The Education Commission of the States says that only four states report how often teachers are absent from work, five report on teachers' experience or academic attainment, and even fewer report on how many teachers are instructing in subjects they are not trained or licensed to teach.

A number of other states not currently issuing report cards are reportedly considering doing so.