The article discusses the use of data by schools and school districts in the U.S. in order to prevent students from dropping out of school. It notes research on early warning indicators for dropouts, including attendance, behavior, and grades. In addition to educational accountability, education data stored in student information systems (SIS) databases is said to be potentially useful for preventing dropouts by identifying at-risk students. Advice for using data in this way includes understanding the indicators being used, appointing a school data coach to assist teachers, and providing teacher professional development on the subject.