Tools and techniques from the trailblazers in data-basededucation reform Over a period of several years, Amanda Datnow and Vicki Parkvisited public schools with a reputation for being ahead of thepack in data-driven decision making. The results of this pioneeringstudy reveal how education leaders can make data work for studentsand teachers, rather than against them. This book is an essential guide to meeting the challenges ofhigh-stakes accountability, building performance-based schools, andimproving student outcomes. By following the advice in this book,you’ll be able to transform data overload into adata-positive school culture. You’ll learn the differencebetween “data-driven leadership” and“data-informed leadership,” and how to use distributedleadership to inspire collaboration and guided analysis. Incorporating narrative reflections drawn from real educatorsand administrators, the authors refine their observations andinterviews into practical conclusions that leaders can put to useimmediately. This book empowers leaders to support inquiry, buildtrust in data-based initiatives, establish goals for evidence use,and provide educators with the skills they need to mobilize datafor the good of all stakeholders. “Datnow and Park’s ideas are easily accessible andgrounded in clear examples, and their seven ‘calls’about what needs to be done nail the problem and the solutions. Usethis book as your action guide and you’ll be rewarded withbetter results in student learning.” —Michael Fullan, professor emeritus,University of Toronto “Datnow and Park uncover, at last, what it means to usedata to inform leadership. Documenting the four P’s (people,policies, practices, and patterns) in schools, we learn about theorganization and dynamics of reform informed by data. A mustread!” —Ann Lieberman, senior scholar,Stanford University