3 semester credits

Education leaders must use data extensively to guide them in defining needs, setting and prioritizing goals, monitoring and evaluating progress, and identifying effective strategies for improvement. The continuing analysis of the gaps between student performance and student learning goals defines the actions of effective school leaders. Decision-makers must understand the array of data that are needed for school improvement. They must know the principles and techniques of measurement, evaluation, and data analysis. They must use a multitude of strategies to analyze data to propel teaching and learning and school improvement. They should use technology to support the collection and use of data. They need to engage the school community (teachers, parents, and students) in understanding and supporting data to guide the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities in the ongoing pursuit of school improvement.