Data-Based Decision Making

Data-Based Decision Making (DBDM) is

  • A process for making decisions based on data, as opposed to decisions based on intuition or only a few observations.
  • An ongoing, outcomes driven approach.
  • A way of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data for the purposes of problem-solving and making instructional decisions.
  • A continuous approach to school improvement.

Data-Based Decision Making (DBDM) can involve (Marsh, Pane & Hamilton, 2006)

  • Student information (input) data.
  • Instructional (process) data.
  • Student learning and social/behavioral (outcome) data.
  • Family, parent, or student report (perceptual) data.

When data is collected, analyzed, prioritized, and synthesized, it becomes “actionable knowledge” for making decisions.

Course Outcomes

In this module, you will learn about Data-Based Decision Making (DBDM) as a systematic approach for driving instructional decisions.   You will discover

  • The importance of using a process for Data-Based Decision Making and the components of an effective process.
  • The design and implementation of a Data-Based Decision Making Plan that will significantly improve student outcomes.
  • How to overcome roadblocks to Data-Based Decision Making.

Preparation

  1. Gather a set of student data to use throughout this module.
  2. Read the article “Teachers Harness the Power of Assessment” by Herman, Wardrip, Hall and Chimino (2012) found at https://learningforward.org/docs/jsd-august-2012/herman334.pdf.
  3. Reflective Questions
    • What does your current DBDM process look like?  Reflect on the specific tools and process you use to plan and modify instruction when students do not “get it.”
    • Why is collecting data about student thinking and understanding so important?
    • What organizational supports help facilitate the effective use of data?
    • What ideas do you already have about how to improve student outcomes through DBDM?

Course Content