School board decision making practices

ABSTRACTSCHOOL BOARD DECISION MAKING PRACTICESByNicole R. BeardThe purpose of this study was to examine the way in which school boards use data when making decisions, specifically their orientations, perceptions, concerns and priorities around data. This study sought to understand how school boards use data when setting or tracking progress toward goals and aimed following the process of board use of data to discern how they create knowledge upon which to base their decisions and direct subsequent action. Three school boards were selected based on specific criteria that were found beneficial to the study’s purpose and goal. Participants were sent an online survey to complete, as well as observed during board meeting and committee meetings. In addition, each superintendent and two school board members from each district participated in face to face interviews regarding their views on the role of data when making decisions. The results of this research study brought into focus how organizations such as these learn about data and put this knowledge into action in the form of decision making. As school board members examine data, they take part in an information sharing cycle that transforms the data into contextually relevant information that in turn becomes knowledge. This knowledge can be acted upon and enables school boards to validate their reasons for the decisions made as a collective body. Learning about this cycle can be helpful in helping community members and other stakeholders better understand the level of analysis that takes place when board members make decisions.