What action by school leaders encourages data-driven decision making?

Promoting teachers' use of formative assessments is a powerful method for encouraging data-driven decision making. Formative assessments are tools that provide ongoing feedback about student learning and understanding. When teachers regularly utilize these assessments, they gather valuable data on student progress and instructional effectiveness. This data allows educators to adjust their teaching strategies based on the specific needs of their students, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.

Furthermore, when teachers are encouraged to analyze and reflect on the data collected from formative assessments, a culture of continuous improvement is fostered within the school. This practice not only helps in identifying areas where students may be struggling but also empowers teachers to make informed decisions that impact their instructional practices. As a result, the school environment becomes more data-driven, leading to strategic planning and resource allocation that directly addresses student academic needs.

In contrast, implementing stricter discipline policies, reducing the number of standardized tests, and limiting curriculum changes each year may not directly encourage the kind of ongoing, reflective assessment practices that foster a data-driven approach to educational leadership.