Who Do School Principals Turn to When Making Data-Based Decisions?

• In Event: Decision Making and Leadership

Abstract

A qualitative case study was used to understand who school principals turn to for support related to the use of student assessment data. School leaders are responsible for making high quality educational decisions, but understandably have varying degrees of capacity to collect, interpret, and use data on behalf of their students. These decisions are complex and can create a feeling of isolation among school leaders. To uncover their perspectives, 12 semi-structured interviews with school principals were conducted. Analysis involved an iterative process and revealed that principals (a) confided regularly with their district data coordinators, (b) prioritize trust in those with whom they chose to discuss data, and (c) rely on teachers as data confidants, especially in high performing districts.

Authors

• Dustin Wade Miller, The Ohio State University

• Ann A. O'Connell, The Ohio State University

• Natasha K. Bowen, The Ohio State University - Columbus