Using Data to Improve Schools

Elaine Allensworth - Director, UChicago Consortium
Using Data to Improve Schools
October 2025 | 168 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9798348833923
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Paperback
ISBN: 9781071952641
Available from November 2025

Description

Make data work for your school—and for every student

Far too often, educators are inundated with data that feels overwhelming, irrelevant, or unhelpful. In Using Data to Improve Schools, nationally recognized expert on school transformation and student achievement Elaine Allensworth offers a framework for understanding the critical properties of data and the tools educators need to focus on the metrics that matter most for student achievement. Rooted in two decades of research on educational policy and practice and real-world success stories from Chicago Public Schools, this groundbreaking guide bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping educators build a culture of data-driven collaboration and success. Topics covered include

  • Common myths and assumptions that divert attention from the data that matter most
  • Guidance on using systems for continuous improvement such as Early Warning Indicator (EWI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
  • Tools to align teachers, families, and staff around a shared vision and strategies that build trust and momentum for sustainable growth

Allensworth clearly outlines how schools can improve key performance areas—like attendance, test scores, and graduation rates—by identifying high-impact metrics and fostering a collaborative culture of improvement. By simplifying complex concepts and offering tools for effective collaboration, this guide inspires educators to turn numbers into positive change.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: DESIGNING THE SCHOOL TO REACH YOUR VISION

  • Results With the Right Data
  • Focusing on the Wrong Metrics
  • Improvement Requires Change
  • What Is Evidence-Informed Practice in Education?
  • Data Are the Starting Point to Productive Conversations
  • What the Data Represent Is Most Important
  • Data for Accountability Versus Improvement
  • Using Data to Support Success, Not Add Burden
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 2: SIX KEY PROPERTIES OF DATA

  • Data Are Messy: Reliability and Validity Show Trustworthiness
  • Properties That Make Data Useful for School Improvement
  • How to Get Data on the Properties of Data
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 3: DATA ON STUDENT LEARNING

  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Course Grades and GPAs
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 4: USEFUL DATA FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL

  • Data on Student Engagement and Experiences
  • Attendance
  • Student and Teacher Survey Data
  • Classroom Observations
  • Opportunity Structures
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 5: MAKING USE OF DATA: VISION AND GOALS

  • Shared Leadership and Alignment
  • A Compelling Vision
  • Setting Goals
  • Key Takeaway
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 6: MAKING USE OF DATA: CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

  • Building the Conditions for Student Success: School-Wide and Tier 1 Strategies
  • Supporting Struggling Students: EWI Systems and Tier 2 and 3 Interventions
  • Evaluating Instructional and Program Effectiveness
  • Communication Across the School Community
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CONCLUSION: WHICH DATA FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

CONCLUSION: WHICH DATA FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

INDEX

INDEX

Description

Make data work for your school—and for every student

Far too often, educators are inundated with data that feels overwhelming, irrelevant, or unhelpful. In Using Data to Improve Schools, nationally recognized expert on school transformation and student achievement Elaine Allensworth offers a framework for understanding the critical properties of data and the tools educators need to focus on the metrics that matter most for student achievement. Rooted in two decades of research on educational policy and practice and real-world success stories from Chicago Public Schools, this groundbreaking guide bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping educators build a culture of data-driven collaboration and success. Topics covered include

  • Common myths and assumptions that divert attention from the data that matter most
  • Guidance on using systems for continuous improvement such as Early Warning Indicator (EWI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
  • Tools to align teachers, families, and staff around a shared vision and strategies that build trust and momentum for sustainable growth

Allensworth clearly outlines how schools can improve key performance areas—like attendance, test scores, and graduation rates—by identifying high-impact metrics and fostering a collaborative culture of improvement. By simplifying complex concepts and offering tools for effective collaboration, this guide inspires educators to turn numbers into positive change.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: DESIGNING THE SCHOOL TO REACH YOUR VISION

  • Results With the Right Data
  • Focusing on the Wrong Metrics
  • Improvement Requires Change
  • What Is Evidence-Informed Practice in Education?
  • Data Are the Starting Point to Productive Conversations
  • What the Data Represent Is Most Important
  • Data for Accountability Versus Improvement
  • Using Data to Support Success, Not Add Burden
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 2: SIX KEY PROPERTIES OF DATA

  • Data Are Messy: Reliability and Validity Show Trustworthiness
  • Properties That Make Data Useful for School Improvement
  • How to Get Data on the Properties of Data
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 3: DATA ON STUDENT LEARNING

  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Course Grades and GPAs
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 4: USEFUL DATA FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL

  • Data on Student Engagement and Experiences
  • Attendance
  • Student and Teacher Survey Data
  • Classroom Observations
  • Opportunity Structures
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 5: MAKING USE OF DATA: VISION AND GOALS

  • Shared Leadership and Alignment
  • A Compelling Vision
  • Setting Goals
  • Key Takeaway
  • Reflection Questions

CHAPTER 6: MAKING USE OF DATA: CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

  • Building the Conditions for Student Success: School-Wide and Tier 1 Strategies
  • Supporting Struggling Students: EWI Systems and Tier 2 and 3 Interventions
  • Evaluating Instructional and Program Effectiveness
  • Communication Across the School Community
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions

CONCLUSION: WHICH DATA FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

CONCLUSION: WHICH DATA FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

INDEX

INDEX

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Using Data to Improve Schools

Elaine Allensworth
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October 2025 | 168 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/01/2025 9781071952641 $39.95
Lifetime 27/10/2025 9798348833923 $36.00

Make data work for your school—and for every student

Far too often, educators are inundated with data that feels overwhelming, irrelevant, or unhelpful. In Using Data to Improve Schools, nationally recognized expert on school transformation and student achievement Elaine Allensworth offers a framework for understanding the critical properties of data and the tools educators need to focus on the metrics that matter most for student achievement. Rooted in two decades of research on educational policy and practice and real-world success stories from Chicago Public Schools, this groundbreaking guide bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping educators build a culture of data-driven collaboration and success. Topics covered include

  • Common myths and assumptions that divert attention from the data that matter most
  • Guidance on using systems for continuous improvement such as Early Warning Indicator (EWI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
  • Tools to align teachers, families, and staff around a shared vision and strategies that build trust and momentum for sustainable growth

Allensworth clearly outlines how schools can improve key performance areas—like attendance, test scores, and graduation rates—by identifying high-impact metrics and fostering a collaborative culture of improvement. By simplifying complex concepts and offering tools for effective collaboration, this guide inspires educators to turn numbers into positive change.


Table Of Contents:

  • ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  • INTRODUCTION
  • CHAPTER 1: DESIGNING THE SCHOOL TO REACH YOUR VISION
  • Results With the Right Data
  • Focusing on the Wrong Metrics
  • Improvement Requires Change
  • What Is Evidence-Informed Practice in Education?
  • Data Are the Starting Point to Productive Conversations
  • What the Data Represent Is Most Important
  • Data for Accountability Versus Improvement
  • Using Data to Support Success, Not Add Burden
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions
  • CHAPTER 2: SIX KEY PROPERTIES OF DATA
  • Data Are Messy: Reliability and Validity Show Trustworthiness
  • Properties That Make Data Useful for School Improvement
  • How to Get Data on the Properties of Data
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions
  • CHAPTER 3: DATA ON STUDENT LEARNING
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Course Grades and GPAs
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions
  • CHAPTER 4: USEFUL DATA FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL
  • Data on Student Engagement and Experiences
  • Attendance
  • Student and Teacher Survey Data
  • Classroom Observations
  • Opportunity Structures
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions
  • CHAPTER 5: MAKING USE OF DATA: VISION AND GOALS
  • Shared Leadership and Alignment
  • A Compelling Vision
  • Setting Goals
  • Key Takeaway
  • Reflection Questions
  • CHAPTER 6: MAKING USE OF DATA: CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
  • Building the Conditions for Student Success: School-Wide and Tier 1 Strategies
  • Supporting Struggling Students: EWI Systems and Tier 2 and 3 Interventions
  • Evaluating Instructional and Program Effectiveness
  • Communication Across the School Community
  • Key Takeaways
  • Reflection Questions
  • CONCLUSION: WHICH DATA FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
  • REFERENCES
  • INDEX

Recent Product Reviews:

This book is an essential guide for how to select the right data and then use them to achieve better educational outcomes. Allensworth’s advice combines research on data quality coupled with the practical acumen she acquired through advancing educational opportunities in Chicago. A must-read for anyone seeking to improve our nation’s schools.
Anthony Bryk, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Drawing on her experience helping schools use data effectively, Allensworth provides clear and compelling guidance on how educators can use data to improve student outcomes. Along the way, she clarifies all the hot-button issues of test scores, GPA, early warning systems, and surveys.
Bob Balfanz, Johns Hopkins University
Data aren’t just a tool for tracking progress—they’re a key ingredient in fostering collaboration and understanding across the entire school community. Whether for teachers, families, or students, the way data are used to communicate goals and expectations can truly shape how we support every child’s growth and success.
Kristopher Kwiatek, Bob Hope Elementary School,
Using Data to Improve Schools is an essential guide for educators seeking to transform their schools through the power of data. By providing practical strategies and clear examples, this book empowers educators to move beyond simply collecting data to using data to drive meaningful and equitable school improvement.
Tamara Daugherty, Zellwood Elementary School
Allensworth has a wonderful way of engaging readers in the possibilities of using data to motivate all parties in sustained school improvement while understanding the context. Data by itself is not enough to transform a good school into a great school. Allensworth helps the reader to understand many different approaches.
Cynthia Kay Barron, UIC Department of Educational Policy Studies

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