Examining Data-Driven Decision Making in Private/Religious Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate non-mandated data-driven decision making in private/religious schools. The school culture support of data use, teacher use of data, leader facilitation of using data, and the availability of data were investigated in three schools. A quantitative survey research design was used to explore the research questions. A survey was distributed to 245 faculty members of the three private/religious schools. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were used to interpret the survey results. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to ascertain the relative strengths and weaknesses of the subscales. Overall, a somewhat positive support of data use was found in all three schools. As a result of completing the study, the researcher found that though private/religious schools are not required to use data, the use of data to make decisions is somewhat valued. Accordingly, recommendations for further research included both quantitative and qualitative suggestions for further investigation into using data to drive decisions in private/religious schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]