The Power of Data as a Tool in Educational Decision Making

The Power of Data as a Tool in Educational Decision Making - "School districts and school district consortia across the country have successfully transformed their organizations to support learning for all students and accountability to the entire community. Though these districts are diverse in size, geographical location and student demographics, they have moved a step ahead of NCLB requirements by integrating data reporting into a culture of continuous improvement. Districts with a culture of data-driven decision making did not begin by building a data warehouse, but through a strategic planning or visioning process. In embarking upon this process, the districts leadership avoided blame and burden, instead creating a culture of shared accountability. Everyone from the janitor to the school superintendent has clear responsibilities, measurable objectives, and performance indicators as well as the resources and decision-making power they need to meet their targets."