Data from high-quality State assessments can inform instruction and help school leaders drive resources to the schools and students that need them the most. This dear colleague letter from the U.S. Secretary of Education reminds all who report and interpret student outcomes this year that assessment data has always been meant to be used constructively--to help inform parents and families about their students' schools and to ensure schools receive the necessary resources to help support students. Further, this letter is intended to provide support to communities in countering efforts to misuse these results by applying them punitively.