Research indicates that, in high-performing learning environments, student progress is continuously examined using a variety of indicators so that programmatic improvements can be made and all students can reach high standards. Identifying your school data needs is a key skill in this continuous process of inquiry and school improvement. The information and resources included here can help you: 1) understand the different types of data used for different purposes, 2) understand the ethical uses of data, 3) form a data team or committee to inventory your school or district data needs, 4) select data that are most important to your school improvement goals, and 5) establish a process for gathering, organizing and preparing data for analysis.