Product Description

The book provides a unique contribution to the literature in this field in that the studies of decision theory and data-based decision making are integrated. Focusing on educators assuming leadership roles in school improvement, the book's content is equally relevant for administrators, supervisors, and teachers. The book, however, is centered on data-driven decision making, both as a requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act and as a normative professional standard. Issues related to accumulating, storing, and protecting data in districts and schools also are covered. Applications in administration, supervision, and teaching are demonstrated.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #868374 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From the Back Cover

Data Driven Decisions and School Leadership, 1/e

Theodore J. Kowalski, University of Dayton

Thomas J. Lasley II, University of Dayton

James W. Mahoney, Battelle for Kids

ISBN-10:      0205496687

This book integrates theory and practice in decision making, with specific focus on data-driven decision making. Applications are demonstrated in the contexts of administration, supervision, and teaching.

The book provides a unique contribution to the literature in this field in that the studies of decision theory and data-based decision making are integrated. Focusing on educators assuming leadership roles in school improvement, the book’s content is equally relevant for administrators, supervisors, and teachers.

The book, however, is centered on data-driven decision making, both as a requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act and as a normative professional standard. Issues related to accumulating, storing, and protecting data in districts and schools also are covered. Applications in administration, supervision, and teaching are demonstrated. 

Unique features of this book:

• Integrates decision theory with data-based decision making so readers will understand the rationale and methodology for making responsible decisions.
• Numerous examples and applications relative to school leadership, supervision, and teaching provide a broad frame of reference.
• Case studies are used to strengthen concepts, essential knowledge, and practice skills.
• Discussion/assignment questions pertaining both to the case studies and content are included at the end of each chapter.

Here’s what your colleagues are saying about this book:

“The idea for this book is excellent and needed in the field … Leaders and practitioners need to know how to collect, analyze, and use data to help inform good decision-making practice.  The idea of learning about good decision making and using data to make decisions would work in a variety of courses.”

-Mary McCullough, Loyola Marymount University

“Case studies are realistic and multi-dimensional in scope, indicating no simple, clear-cut solution, which is how school administration functions.  [These] case studies would provide an uneasiness in students, which would impel them to read the chapter in order to discover not the solution to the problem, but how to reach a solution.”

-Kathy Peca, Eastern New Mexico University

Customer Reviews

Data Drive Decisions and School Leadership Review
This book provides a thorough analysis of how to evaluate data for a school or a school district. It provides a history lesson on school reform from the 1980s forward and provides the questions with recommendations that any school administrator, advocacy organization, teacher, or researcher would find easy to understand and cogent in its presentation. Not only does it lead you through the research design for reviewing your school or district, it also provides a step by step for applying the analysis so that appropriate decisions may be applied. This is a must read book for anyone who loves public or private education and would like to press for continuous improvement.