ABSTRACT
One universal characteristic of school reform efforts is the expectation that leaders effectively manage data. There are lots of different ways to collect data. We believe it is helpful to have a mix of quantitative measures and qualitative measures. When you arrange for a focus group, be clear about the purpose of the meeting. Most often, the purpose is to understand stakeholder needs and to gather data about the current status of the school or a specific program related to rigor. A different way to gather information about the instructional experience of students is to conduct a shadow study. An instructional walkthrough provides yet another way to collect data. We do not suggest a quick tour of the school but rather a focused visit to your school's instructional areas to collect information about your school's program. Encourage observers to visit all instructional settings. Focus on the instructional practices present during the first few minutes of an observation.
