What is an important criterion for making educational changes based on data?

The selection of analyzing data to set realistic school goals underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in education. This approach involves reviewing and interpreting relevant data to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, which can inform the setting of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the school. By focusing on data analysis, school leaders can ensure that the goals they establish are grounded in evidence, thus increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for both students and the educational institution.

In contrast, using data to solely support previous decisions does not promote growth or innovation, while focusing on data unrelated to educational performance lacks relevance and can lead to misguided priorities. Additionally, resisting change based on data findings contradicts the core purpose of using data to guide improvement initiatives, as it implies an unwillingness to adapt practices based on what the data reveals. Therefore, the emphasis on analyzing data to inform goal-setting is key in fostering effective educational changes.