When education leaders utilize survey results to inform their decisions, they are often left wondering if the "right" survey questions were asked. To help state and local leaders improve existing instruments or create better instruments for data collection, this quick reference guide highlights best practices in designing effective surveys. Administering better surveys leads to more specific and accurate data, and better data leads to better evidence with which to inform decisions. This guide focuses on four areas of survey development: (1) general best practices in survey design; (2) common problematic survey questions (and how to avoid them); (3) Likert scales and rating scales; and (4) creating more inclusive surveys. This quick reference guide is designed to help state and local education leaders and staff who are asked to develop or modify surveys but may not have a background in survey design.