Growing state and district use of education data and increased public attention to the ways in which these data are collected, used, managed, and disclosed have sparked conversation on the value of data and how they are protected. Student data (e.g., demographics, transcripts, attendance, test scores, outcomes, etc.) are an important tool for policymakers, educators, and families as they seek ways to support students and improve education experiences and pathways. Safeguarding data is a critical component of effective data use, and educators and policymakers alike have begun to develop and implement new policies and practices. Faced with a rapidly changing conversation, an increasing use of education technology, and strong public concern, state legislators in every part of the country took action this year to better address student data privacy. While some new state laws may disrupt aspects of state and local data work, no state has defunded its data system, delinked its data, or stopped critical data services. But privacy concerns and misconceptions still abound, and the 2015 legislative sessions will be just as critical as those in 2014. However, this national privacy conversation also remains an opportunity to demonstrate the value of data to improve education.