ABSTRACT
In this day and age, data flood school districts and may include anything from student test scores and student and teacher demographic data to teacher performance evaluations, personnel salary and benefits data, other school expenditure data, student and personnel files, and curriculum. Decisions affecting students and employees are often supported, if not based on, information drawn from these various sources. Kowalski, Lasley, and Mahoney (2008) point out that making objective and analytical decisions based on informed choice is both a disposition and a skill, which ultimately achieves more effective results. We contend that, in this increasingly litigious society, making decisions in light of legal requirements, restrictions, and interpretations is also a necessity.
