Data-Driven Decision Making and School Leadership:Best Practices for School Improvement

Theodore J. Kowalski

Thomas J. Lasley II

James W. Mahoney

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Understanding Data-Driven Decision Making

The First Step in the School Improvement Process

What is Data-Based Decision Making?

The process of compiling, reviewing, sharing and using data to assist in improving schools and, particularly, student achievement.

Deciding what you want to know and why knowing that information is important.

It is in simple terms : Collecting, Connecting, Creating and Confirming.

Why is Data-Based Decision Making Important?

Because “What gets measured and monitored gets improved.”

Because without it all you have are hunches and opinions.

Asking the Right Questions

Determine what you want to know and what you will do once the answer is determined.

Determine what data will be needed in order to answer your questions. Assemble a body of evidence.

Be aware of the different types of data available: Perception, Performance, Demographic and Process.

Multiple Measures of Data

Helps us discover patterns, practices and relationships that can be maintained or improved.

Helps us focus on the right things. Helps us see our strengths and our

challenges.

Collecting Data Is:

The compilation of important and relevant data.

Making this data readily available to others. Displaying data in user- friendly ways.

Connecting Data Means:

Analyzing it from different perspectives and/or combining it with other data.

Utilizing this data at either a state or local level.

Asking the right questions.

Creating – Doing Means:

Taking action on what you find and think will make a difference.

Closing the gap from where you are and where you want to be.

To go beyond the strategic plan…it is taking action.

Confirming Means:

Evaluating and reflecting on your efforts. Continuous monitoring of progress toward

the goals. Possibly regrouping and starting over. Asking the questions: “Did the students

learn? and How do we know?”

Data Systems

Are a systemic, structured method and procedure implemented to assess student learning.

All stakeholders, including leadership, must take a collective responsibility for student learning.

Are visible, non-threatening and frequently monitored for progress.

The Role of Leadership

A good principal can create a climate that can foster excellence in teaching and learning.

Insist on and model data use as part of the school culture.

Acknowledge successes. Leaders must become data savvy.

The Role of the Teacher:

Classroom goals should align with the school and district goals.

Individual student data must be analyzed. Collaborating with other educators can bring

insight to the data. Involve the students by sharing the data.

The Role of the Student

Create personal goals based on their data. With teacher guidance, monitor the progress

of their goals.

Summary

Data-based decision making is aimed at creating competence in educators so they will have the knowledge, skills and tools to enhance what they do best: help all children learn.