Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Data-Driven Decision Making and School Leadership: Best Practices for School Improvement Theodore J. Kowalski Thomas J. Lasley II James W. Mahoney This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Understanding Data-Driven Decision Making The First Step in the School Improvement Process

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 Collecting Data Is: The compilation of important and relevant data. Making this data readily available to others. Displaying data in user- friendly ways.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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?”

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 The Role of the Student Create personal goals based on their data. With teacher guidance, monitor the progress of their goals.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008 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.