The Virginia Middle School Research Alliance (VMSRA) is filling a need among divisions and middle schools in our state: helping educators understand how to effectively use data for short and long-term planning so they can best help students succeed. “Our goal is to build the capacity of middle school leaders and teachers to use data to inform decision-making and improve student performance,” said Aimee Evan, VMSRA’s lead coordinator, “Everything the VMSRA does grows out of what our Alliance members tell us they need—we take our cues from our partner divisions and middle schools. This is a highly collaborative effort. Alliance members bring their expertise and needs to the table, we at REL Appalachia bring what we know, and we find expertise within and outside of the state so we can learn from each other and help students.”