States rely on data from both the K-12 and postsecondary sectors to inform policy discussions; chart the progress of students, schools, districts, colleges, and the state; pinpoint best practices and areas of need; allocate scarce resources; and make other important education decisions every day. However, states need to securely link limited, but critical, K-12 and postsecondary data to ensure that high school graduates are ready for postsecondary education and to identify the K-12 practices and programs that best prepare students to succeed in college.