Research and evaluation staff members in schools and school districts are frequently called on to answer questions about the quality of schools. Responding merely with test scores is not sufficient, because it is important to communicate information about the total educational program in the district. Additional measures are available. Characteristics of the student body that should be communicated are: (1) attendance, enrollment, and graduation rates; (2) the participation of community members in school activities; (3) the diversity of the student body; and (4) the stability of the student body. Characteristics of the staff that should be communicated include staff experience and staff development efforts and programs. The community should be informed about programs for students, including dropout prevention, tutoring, and enrichment efforts. Achievement should be demonstrated through test scores, feedback on achievement after students leave the school, and information about excellence and performance beyond test scores. The school environment should be described, and the fiscal situation in which the school operates should be public knowledge. (SLD)