Using Data to Improve Schools

School system leaders are discovering the power of data for promoting school improvement.

With recent advances in technology and the increased demand for assessing student learning, an unprecedented amount of data are available to educators. School districts across America are beginning to use the tools necessary to make effective use of the data. In addition to test scores, many educators are collecting data about citizenship, character, healthy lifestyles, school climate and parental and community involvement.

We spend a lot of time on testing but not much time on what to do with the test results.

One superintendent reflected that “We spend a lot of time on testing but not much time on what to do with the test results.” As educators shift their focus from simply reporting test results to using the data to improve instruction, data become essential ingredients in school improvement.

Educators know that the effective use of data can measure student progress, evaluate program and instructional effectiveness, guide curriculum development and resource allocation, promote accountability and, most importantly, ensure that every child learns.

This report is an easy-to-read guide to using data to drive school improvement. From this report, school system leaders and their staffs can learn how to build a districtwide culture of inquiry that values the use of data for sound decision-making.

School board members, parents and community members interested in helping improve schools will find tools for their work as well in this guide. It describes the challenges and the successes of educators from districts both large and small committed to using data.