Although many research questions in English education demand the use of qualitative methods, this paper will briefly explore how English education researchers and doctoral students may use statistics and quantitative methods to inform, complement, and/or deepen their inquiries. First, the authors will provide a general overview of the survey areas addressed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Second, they will examine two NCES data sets that are potentially pertinent to the types of questions English education researchers and teacher educators are asking, the Educational Longitudinal Study (ELS) and Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). They offer both overarching descriptions of topics addressed in these data sets and practical strategies for initial forays into using these data. The readers should be aware that this discussion is merely a launching point; as with all research methods, the accurate and effective design and execution of quantitative research and statistical analyses depend on careful study and deep understandings. In no way do the authors believe quantitative methods are appropriate for all inquiries, nor is their goal to convince the readers of such. They do, however, believe that the understanding and use of national data sets may afford powerful opportunities to continue to move the field of English education forward.