Data use: Where to from here?

Abstract

In the final chapter of the book, Lorna Earl and Karen Seashore Louis reflect on the question where to from here? They situate data use in a policy and politics context. Working with data does not happen outside political and cultural context of particular societies and schools. Also, they discuss the different views on educational change and accountability, the consequences of policies made at different levels on data use, and how autonomy affects data use. Finally, they argue that with regard to data-based decision making, the emphasis should not be on the data, but on the quality of knowledge that emerges from this process. Good knowledge is founded by asking good questions, having good data, and engaging in good thinking.