This article discusses five generally accepted reasons to use data as a part of an educator's ongoing professional practice. Of course, there are many other more specific reasons one might look at data, but these five cover the overarching need in an educational setting. The five major purposes for using data are: (1) To enhance understanding and gain perspective; (2) To create focus and monitor progress; (3) To guide decisions or solve problems; (4) To measure impact and implementation of a new initiative or strategy; and (5) To generate new learning and innovation. Note that using data for accountability and evaluation of individuals or groups is not on this list. Accountability and evaluation are inherent in each of these five uses individually and to an even greater extent when all five are considered collectively. That is why it is not advisable to use any single data source or process to evaluate or hold an individual or a group accountable for the results. For each purpose, there is a distinct analytical process that can be applied to various data sources. Knowing the purpose helps zoom in on the type of data educators want to examine, the most appropriate analysis in which to engage, and the metrics that they will use to achieve their purpose. Additionally, the purpose determines which graphical tools are most useful for interpreting and reporting the results.