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The Department of Education helps the states hold schools and districts accountable for the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. Since the 1994 reauthorization of title I, the states have made some progress in improving their systems for holding districts and schools responsible for the academic achievement of all students, including disadvantaged students, but some areas still need attention. Education has provided some assistance to the states in developing standards, assessments, and criteria for adequate yearly progress, but a majority of the states appear to need additional help in collecting and reporting disaggregated assessment data. Beginning in the 2000-2001 school year, the states are required to collect and report assessment data disaggregated by subgroups of students, including the economically disadvantaged. Only about a third of the states currently collect this information, and it is unlikely that all the states will meet the deadline. Without disaggregated data, test results for the whole student population can mask the results of disadvantaged students and prevent the states and the districts from identifying schools that may not be meeting the educational needs of disadvantaged students. Education's research can provide states, districts, and schools with important information to help them improve instruction. Comprehensive evaluation efforts are needed to determine which services and service delivery methods are most effective in closing students' achievement gaps.