$batch= $query ['batch']; // I pull this data from a separate model 
echo form_dropdown('shirts', $options, $batch);
	
function update($id){
$this->load->model('mod_studentprofile');
             $data['query']= $this->mod_studentprofile->student_get($id);
             $data['options']= $this->mod_studentprofile->batchget();

             $data['tab'] = "Update Student Information";
                 $data['main_content']='update_studentprofile';
                 $this->load->view('includes/template',$data);
            }
	
function batchget() {

      $this->db->select('batchname');
       $records=$this->db->get('batch');

            $data=array();

                        foreach ($records->result() as $row)
                {
                    $data[$row->batchname] = $row->batchname;
                }

            return ($data);
        }
	
function student_get($id)
    {
        $query=$this->db->get_where('student',array('studentid'=>$id));
        return $query->row_array();
    }
	
// this wouldn't select 'foo' as you may be thinking
$options => array('0' => 'foo', '1' => 'bar');
$batch = 'foo';
echo form_dropdown('shirts', $options, $batch);

// this would select foo
$options => array('foo' => 'foo', 'bar' => 'bar');
$batch = 'foo';
echo form_dropdown('shirts', $options, $batch);