Lessons Learned in Using Data to Support School Inquiry and Continuous Improvement: Final Report to the Stuart Foundation

This report examines how schools can use assessment and accountability practices to improve education for all students. The authors draw on their work in Southern California schools to demonstrate how assessment can be used to help close the achievement gap in schools and districts with high percentages of economically disadvantaged or ethnically diverse students. Focusing on the results of work in two settings, the authors discuss their data-based inquiry process, including available data, initial empirical questions, and the process of inquiry. The authors conclude that schools must continue to build their capacity to respond effectively to the requirements of standards-based reform and propose specific areas to target.