This paper identifies and assesses key ideas in data analysis (or statistics) that should be at the focus of middle school mathematics instruction. Items that can be used to assess some of the complex objectives of data analysis are located. The search includes a collection of items released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and various state exams. The nature of items being used on large-scale state assessments is described in detail. Views on what should be taught and some items that are designed to tap those ideas are presented. (SOE)