The paper suggests priorities for the federal government's elementary and secondary education data collection efforts. Sections on outputs, inputs, and private schools describe what data is needed, what is already available, and what is recommended for data collection. Recommendations include a high priority for federal funding for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) scores should be published by state alongside an adjusted set of scores that takes into account the influences of participation rates, family income and private school attendance. International Association for Evaluation of Education Achievement cross-national test comparisons should receive continued financial support. A uniform method for calculating dropout rates should be implemented. Datasets are needed that provide detailed information on children's schooling as well as information on post-schooling careers and income paths. Data on teaching should be collected, including: (1) an annual comparison of salaries in teaching with those of other occupations; (2) information on SAT scores of college graduates entering teaching; and (3) teacher mobility patterns. Data on capital account expenditures should be examined in regard to use and cost. Data should be collected on private and for-profit schools. (LMO)