What is the main focus of a school leader when using data to inform instructional decisions?

The main focus of a school leader when using data to inform instructional decisions is to improve student performance. This involves analyzing various types of data, such as assessment results, attendance records, and student engagement metrics, to identify areas where students may be struggling, as well as to recognize trends that indicate successful teaching practices.

By concentrating on student performance, school leaders can make informed decisions that directly impact the learning environment and educational outcomes. This means implementing changes to instructional strategies, developing targeted interventions, and allocating resources effectively to support students' needs—all of which contribute to enhancing overall academic achievement.

In contrast, relying solely on teacher input does not ensure that decisions are data-driven and may overlook critical insights drawn from quantitative metrics. Increasing administrative tasks does not align with the primary goal of fostering learning and growth in students. While budget limitations are essential considerations for management, they should not overshadow the ultimate mission of schools, which is to facilitate student learning and success.