Forum Guide to Taking Action with Education Data. NFES 2013-801

Overview & Synopsis

Education data are growing in quantity, quality, and value. When appropriately used to guide action, data can be a powerful tool for improving school operations, teaching, and learning. Education stakeholders who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to appropriately access, analyze, and interpret data will be able to use data to take action that benefits students, schools, and the entire education enterprise. The purpose of this resource is to provide readers with practical information about the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to identify, access, interpret, and use data to improve instruction in classrooms and the operation of schools, local education agencies (LEAs, also known as school districts), and state education agencies (SEAs). Included are a series of briefs intended to serve as a guide to the skillful and appropriate use of education data. Whether data users have access to sophisticated data analysis solutions or simple reporting tools, this document is intended to provide helpful guidance for using data to take action. A list of online resources is appended.