ABSTRACT
Where should a district begin? First, a conversation about whether the district is willing to make the commitment to a data-driven initiative must take place. Districts that are willing to undertake a data-driven initiative must be willing to question and reflect on their own thoughts and actions. They must be willing to create leaders at the teacher level, and they must not be afraid to listen to what those teacher-leaders have to say. When working with a Data-Driven Instructional System (DDIS) model for school improvement, everyone's opinion, hypothesis, or theory is worthwhile. A culture of mutual respect must exist among all members of the District Leadership Team, regardless of role or district responsibility.
