State and local school district report cards are critical tools for promoting accountability for schools, local school districts, and states by publicizing data about student performance and program effectiveness for parents, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Report cards help parents and the general public see where schools and districts are succeeding and where there is still work to do. A well-informed public is an important resource in the school and district improvement process. In the same way that data enables educators to make better decisions about teaching and learning, data can also help parents and other community members work more effectively with educators and local school officials to promote school change. Additionally, the more parents and community members know about the academic achievement of their children and their schools, the more likely they are to be involved in their local schools and the public school system. Equipped with information on academic results and teacher quality, parents and community members can make better decisions and choices.