The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has the potential to become a national data system and to meet the rapidly expanding needs for educational information. Historically, NAEP has had the objectives of providing relevant information for federal, state, and local policymakers; establishing a research database; and monitoring performance levels. Now, increasing emphasis on the linkages between and among achievement outcomes, settings, and processes is encouraged. Suggestions for the evolution of the future NAEP database include ideas for improving data collection and storage. A number of requirements are summarized. The system should be comprehensive, encompassing background characteristics, the schooling process, and outcomes. Data elements, files, and records should be linked. Data should be representative, accurate, comparable, timely, private, and secure. Plans for processing and analysis and for the flow of information must be in place. System costs should be shared by various users, rather than relying entirely on federal support. (GDC)