Book excerpt: "This series allows school principals to integrate theory and practice themselves, resulting in highly insightful and practical strategies that will make a difference in schools. Practitioners: lead thyselves!" —Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto "Avoiding high-flown theory on the one hand and mere bullet points on the other, these books represent the best that highly expert leaders have to offer—intellectually informed ideas about how to deal with the compelling practical issues of principalship." —Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education Boston College "This series of little volumes provides a valuable resource for new principals who would become accomplished instructional leaders and seasoned principals looking to strengthen their leadership capacity." —Roland S. Barth, Founding Director Harvard Principals′ Center "Addresses some of the most important challenges facing school leaders today. The authors bring a remarkable combination of deep, practical experience and academic sophistication to these challenges." —Ken Leithwood, Professor Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto A proven process for demonstrating and communicating school improvements! As the call for educational accountability increases, so does the importance of data. This practical guide, part of the Leading Student Achievement series, helps school leaders use evidence to shape, revise, and assess instructional reform. Focusing on the significance of data in the development of realistic solutions to specific educational issues, this resource defines four types of data and helps principals: Understand their role as leader, communicator, and professional developer for data-driven reform Introduce the use of data into the school improvement planning cycle Create a team to gather relevant, valid, and comprehensive data With brainstorming templates, case studies, and planning forms for embedding data use into a school′s culture, The Principal as Data-Driven Leader helps schools start on a journey to genuine accountability and demonstrable gains in student performance.