Any policy proposal in education requires quality data to inform its development, implementation, and evaluation. In fact, the highest-profile education policy agendas currently discussed in states--ensuring that all students are taught by effective teachers and graduate from high school prepared for college and 21st-century careers--were previously hindered because states lacked quality data about these policy areas. However, state policymakers now increasingly have access to and are using robust data to inform their decisions. Federal policymakers are also demonstrating unprecedented commitment to supporting states' efforts to effectively use data in education. As a result of state policymakers embracing the data agenda and the federal support to fuel and incent this momentum, every state now has the capacity to empower education stakeholders to make informed decisions. This report contains key findings of "Data Action 2011," emerging data and policy issues confronting states, and four game-changing priorities. (Contains 14 footnotes and 3 resources.)