When it comes to educational effectiveness, California earns an “F” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“The conclusion of this report card is unambiguous,” says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “[T]he states need to do a far better job of monitoring and delivering quality schooling.”

Turning to California, there are some bright spots. For its high academic standards and teacher workforce policies, including subject-matter testing and alternative certification options, California earns top marks. However, in other areas the state is failing.

California earns “D’s” for data quality and return on investment. For student achievement in general as well as achievement among low-income and minority students, the state earns “F’s.”

The Chamber gives California “B’s” in other areas; however, but those grades should be reconsidered. For example, the state earns a “B” from the Chamber for “Truth in Advertising about Student Proficiency.” Among the many problems with California’s accountability system is that does not measure student-level proficiency, making hard to know whether students are progressing as they should. The Chamber also gives California a “B” for college and workforce readiness, but recent reports showed almost half of all freshmen entering the CSU system need remediation—and these students represent the top third of California high school graduates.

Because California leads the nation with more than 600 charter schools, it earns a “B” for flexibility in school management and policy. The Chamber should interview principals like Locke High School’s Frank Wells, who can’t get the district to send good teachers to his south Los Angeles school near Watts. Absent charter schools, California would likely fail this category, too.

The Chamber explains that its report card is unique: “Where our project differs from previous efforts is its emphasis on coupling a focus on academic outcomes with attention to key business metrics: innovation, flexibility, management, and fiscal prudence.” And where does the Chamber turn for examples of those metrics? “The Chamber and its partners firmly believe that the traits that have long made the American private sector an engine of global prosperity—its dynamism, creativity, and relentless focus on efficiency and results—are essential to tapping the potential of our educators and schools.”

Hopefully, elected officials in Sacramento are taking notes.