In 1999, Public Education Network received a 3-year grant as part of a set of projects to better link research and data to policy and practice change. The project was intended to build public knowledge and understanding of how to improve teaching through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on teachers and teaching. The project consisted of two phases of work in eight communities nationwide. The first phase involved creating a data framework. The second involved a public engagement effort to disseminate findings to the public. This action guide builds on the experiences at the eight sites. It is a tool for community groups that want to build public knowledge and understanding and take action to support quality teaching. The guide offers ways to engage communities in actions that will improve the quality of teaching in the public schools. It contains information to help community groups develop the leadership capacity, incentives, and opportunities needed for community change. The four chapters are: (1) "Designing a Teacher Quality Initiative"; (2) "Identifying, Collecting, and Analyzing Data"; (3) "Engaging the Community"; and (4) "Putting Things in Motion." A list of resources is included. (SM)