The use of data to improve learning, instruction and student achievement has been a popular educational intervention in countries across the globe. Yet, with all the available data generated by standardized tests or through the course of instruction, systematic use of data as a lever for school change still remains elusive. This article is an introduction to a special issue that explores the possibilities of digital media and technology to support data-informed teaching and learning. This paper introduces this topic by highlighting the need for investigating more closely how data are used to support learning in practice and briefly highlights some of the prevailing issues and opportunities related to the potential productive uses of data.