Data can help identify solutions to some of the biggest problems in schools. Yet few schools use data effectively. The purpose of this book is to help schools become aware of the advantages of collecting and using data (data analysis) for overall school improvement. The book begins with an overview of the current state of education and the barriers schools face with respect to data analysis. Chapter 2 describes the importance of gathering data, how to gather it, and how to use it. Chapter 3 defines multiple measures of data and the interactions of four major measures of data-demographics, perceptions, student learning, and school processes-in terms of different levels of data analyses. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 detail ways to gather, analyze, and use the four major measures of data. Chapter 8 explores the interactions of the four measures. Chapter 9 describes how to put all the pieces of data analysis together to determine what changes are needed to improve student learning. Chapter 10 discusses communicating the results of data analysis to the community. Chapter 11 focuses on databases. Chapter 12 reviews the major elements of the book. (Contains three appendices, 63 references and resources, and an index.)
