As the educational enterprise becomes more complex and broad-based, the need for more informed decision-making based on real data becomes increasingly mission critical. Data-driven decision-making refers to the use of quantitative and qualitative data to inform and guide programmatic and instructional decisions. By defining standards and school goals, then assessing performance relative to those standards, educators can use performance data to drive continuous improvement. In a data-driven school, educators collect and use data on an on-going basis to inform their practice, assess progress, and refine educational strategies.

The information and resources provided under Data-Driven Decision-Making will help you develop a clear understanding of: 1) how to use data in the improvement of goals and standards; 2) how to identify your data needs; 3) how to collect the kinds of data that are most important to your educational goals; 4) how to organize and interpret results; 5) how to report your findings; and 6) how to develop and implement action strategies based on the results of your data analyses.