Data-Driven

Decision
Making
What is D3M?
D3M stands for DataDriven Decision
Making
Data-Driven Decision
Making is a leadership
model that focuses on the
use of student assessment data
and relevant background
information to make
informed decisions related to
the planning and
implementation of
instructional strategies at the
district, school, classroom,
and individual student levels.
The No Child Left Behind
(NCLB) Act of 2002
mandates increased student
achievement that is proven
with data.

When We Use
D3M:
We show our commitment
to helping teachers and staff
make sure that ALL students
experience the highest levels
of academic success!
We are taking strides for
continuous improvement
and we will make AYP!
We show that we want our
parents and community
partners to feel good about
our school?
We are taking steps to make
our school a top-tier campus!

A Guide
For New
Administrators

Information on How to
Use Data to Boost
Student Achievement

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2

Overview of
What it Takes
& Reasons
Why D3M is
Needed
School leaders have ONE BIG JOB: make
sure that students are successful! Their success
comes from effective teaching and every
decision we make works to maximize
instruction for the best outcomes. Using data
to make these decisions will:
Raise grades and test scores
Close achievement gaps
Improve teacher & teaching quality
Determine program effectiveness
Develop meaningful curriculum
Share best instructional practices
Communicate progress with stakeholders
Promote parent involvement
Increase professional collaboration
Establish accountability standards
Gain public trust

Q&A
How much time & money
will we need to do this this?

D3M involves only a few basic steps:

1. Collection: qualitative and quantitative;
appropriate; from multiple sources (e.g.,
test scores, grades, AEIS reports,
attendance records, parent & student
surveys).
2. Analysis: determining what it means and
what it shows; answers questions like Are
students really learning? and How do we
know?
3. Implementation: planning and
improvement; develop strategies, lessons,
programs, calendars & interim assessments
to raise the bar!
4. Evaluation: reviewing new data to
determine what worked.
5. Communication: sharing and connecting
with key stakeholders and team members.

In the beginning, D3M will

take a lot of time and in some
instances a lot of money. If
this will be a new school
initiative, you will need to
commit time and funds to
training, technology, and
programming. Organizational
structure is important and over
time less overhead will be
needed as everyone becomes
more proficient and efficient
with the process.
How can I ensure that my
staff is on-board?
First and foremost, take time
to share the vision of a better
school and explain how data
will help to get those results.
Next, do whatever it takes to
get EVERYONE trained.
Finally, show them that you
are also learning, that the
process is on-going, and theres
light at the end of the tunnel.