Author: Kim Schildkamp
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400748159
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
In a context where schools are held more and more accountable for the education they provide, data-based decision making has become increasingly important. This book brings together scholars from several countries to examine data-based decision making. Data-based decision making in this book refers to making decisions based on a broad range of evidence, such as scores on students’ assessments, classroom observations etc. This book supports policy-makers, people working with schools, researchers and school leaders and teachers in the use of data, by bringing together the current research conducted on data use across multiple countries into a single volume. Some of these studies are ‘best practice’ studies, where effective data use has led to improvements in student learning. Others provide insight into challenges in both policy and practice environments. Each of them draws on research and literature in the field.
Data-based Decision Making in Education
Author: Kim Schildkamp
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400748159
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
In a context where schools are held more and more accountable for the education they provide, data-based decision making has become increasingly important. This book brings together scholars from several countries to examine data-based decision making. Data-based decision making in this book refers to making decisions based on a broad range of evidence, such as scores on students’ assessments, classroom observations etc. This book supports policy-makers, people working with schools, researchers and school leaders and teachers in the use of data, by bringing together the current research conducted on data use across multiple countries into a single volume. Some of these studies are ‘best practice’ studies, where effective data use has led to improvements in student learning. Others provide insight into challenges in both policy and practice environments. Each of them draws on research and literature in the field.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400748159
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 221
Book Description
In a context where schools are held more and more accountable for the education they provide, data-based decision making has become increasingly important. This book brings together scholars from several countries to examine data-based decision making. Data-based decision making in this book refers to making decisions based on a broad range of evidence, such as scores on students’ assessments, classroom observations etc. This book supports policy-makers, people working with schools, researchers and school leaders and teachers in the use of data, by bringing together the current research conducted on data use across multiple countries into a single volume. Some of these studies are ‘best practice’ studies, where effective data use has led to improvements in student learning. Others provide insight into challenges in both policy and practice environments. Each of them draws on research and literature in the field.
Using Data in Schools to Inform Leadership and Decision Making
Author: Alex J. Bowers
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1623967880
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 281
Book Description
Our fifth book in the International Research on School Leadership series focuses on the use of data in schools and districts as useful information for leadership and decision making. Schools are awash in data and information, from test scores, to grades, to discipline reports, and attendance as just a short list of student information sources, while additional streams of data feed into schools and districts from teachers and parents as well as local, regional and national policy levels. To deal with the data, schools have implemented a variety of data practices, from data rooms, to data days, data walks, and data protocols. However, despite the flood of data, successful school leaders are leveraging an analysis of their school’s data as a means to bring about continuous improvement in an effort to improve instruction for all students. Nevertheless, some drown, some swim, while others find success. Our goal in this book volume is to bring together a set of chapters by authors who examine successful data use as it relates to leadership and school improvement. In particular, the chapters in this volume consider important issues in this domain, including: • How educational leaders use data to inform their practice. • What types of data and data analysis are most useful to successful school leaders. • To what extent are data driven and data informed practices helping school leaders positively change instructional practice? • In what ways does good data collection and analysis feed into successful continuous improvement and holistic systems thinking? • How have school leadership practices changed as more data and data analysis techniques have become available? • What are the major obstacles facing school leaders when using data for decision making and how do they overcome them?
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1623967880
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 281
Book Description
Our fifth book in the International Research on School Leadership series focuses on the use of data in schools and districts as useful information for leadership and decision making. Schools are awash in data and information, from test scores, to grades, to discipline reports, and attendance as just a short list of student information sources, while additional streams of data feed into schools and districts from teachers and parents as well as local, regional and national policy levels. To deal with the data, schools have implemented a variety of data practices, from data rooms, to data days, data walks, and data protocols. However, despite the flood of data, successful school leaders are leveraging an analysis of their school’s data as a means to bring about continuous improvement in an effort to improve instruction for all students. Nevertheless, some drown, some swim, while others find success. Our goal in this book volume is to bring together a set of chapters by authors who examine successful data use as it relates to leadership and school improvement. In particular, the chapters in this volume consider important issues in this domain, including: • How educational leaders use data to inform their practice. • What types of data and data analysis are most useful to successful school leaders. • To what extent are data driven and data informed practices helping school leaders positively change instructional practice? • In what ways does good data collection and analysis feed into successful continuous improvement and holistic systems thinking? • How have school leadership practices changed as more data and data analysis techniques have become available? • What are the major obstacles facing school leaders when using data for decision making and how do they overcome them?
Decentralized Decision-making in Schools
Author: Harry Anthony Patrinos
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 0821379704
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
An increasing number of developing countries are introducing School-Based Management (SBM) reforms aimed at empowering principals and teachers or at strengthening their professional motivation, thereby enhancing their sense of ownership of the school. Many of these reforms have also strengthened parental involvement in the schools, sometimes by means of school councils. SBM programs take many different forms in terms of who has the power to make decisions as well as the degree of ecision-making devolved to the school level. While some programs transfer authority only to school principals or te.
Publisher: World Bank Publications
ISBN: 0821379704
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 146
Book Description
An increasing number of developing countries are introducing School-Based Management (SBM) reforms aimed at empowering principals and teachers or at strengthening their professional motivation, thereby enhancing their sense of ownership of the school. Many of these reforms have also strengthened parental involvement in the schools, sometimes by means of school councils. SBM programs take many different forms in terms of who has the power to make decisions as well as the degree of ecision-making devolved to the school level. While some programs transfer authority only to school principals or te.
The NEW School Rules
Author: Anthony Kim
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1544323204
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
Actions to increase effectiveness of schools in a rapidly changing world Schools, in order to be nimble and stay relevant and impactful, need to abandon the rigid structures designed for less dynamic times. The NEW School Rules expands cutting-edge organizational design and modern management techniques into an operating system for empowering schools with the same agility and responsiveness so vital in the business world. 6 simple rules create a unified vision of responsiveness among educators Real life case studies illustrate responsive techniques implemented in a variety of educational demographics 15 experiments guide school and district leaders toward increased responsiveness in their faculty and staff
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1544323204
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
Actions to increase effectiveness of schools in a rapidly changing world Schools, in order to be nimble and stay relevant and impactful, need to abandon the rigid structures designed for less dynamic times. The NEW School Rules expands cutting-edge organizational design and modern management techniques into an operating system for empowering schools with the same agility and responsiveness so vital in the business world. 6 simple rules create a unified vision of responsiveness among educators Real life case studies illustrate responsive techniques implemented in a variety of educational demographics 15 experiments guide school and district leaders toward increased responsiveness in their faculty and staff
Statistics Made Simple for School Leaders
Author: Susan Rovezzi Carroll
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 146165419X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
The chief executive officer of a corporation is not much different from a public school administrator. While CEOs base many of their decisions on data, for school administrators, this type of research may conjure up miserable memories of searching for information to meet a graduate school requirement. However, the value of data-based decision making will continue to escalate and the school community—students, teachers, parents and the general public—expect this information to come from their administrators. Administrators are called on to be accountable, but few are capable of presenting the mountain of data that they collect in a cohesive and strategic manner. Most statistical books are focused on statistical theory versus application, but Statistics Made Simple for School Leaders presents statistics in a simple, practical, conceptual, and immediately applicable manner. It enables administrators to take their data and manage it into strategic information so the results can be used for action plans that benefit the school system. The approach is 'user friendly' and leaves the reader with a confident can-do attitude to communicate results and plans to staff and the community.
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 146165419X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
The chief executive officer of a corporation is not much different from a public school administrator. While CEOs base many of their decisions on data, for school administrators, this type of research may conjure up miserable memories of searching for information to meet a graduate school requirement. However, the value of data-based decision making will continue to escalate and the school community—students, teachers, parents and the general public—expect this information to come from their administrators. Administrators are called on to be accountable, but few are capable of presenting the mountain of data that they collect in a cohesive and strategic manner. Most statistical books are focused on statistical theory versus application, but Statistics Made Simple for School Leaders presents statistics in a simple, practical, conceptual, and immediately applicable manner. It enables administrators to take their data and manage it into strategic information so the results can be used for action plans that benefit the school system. The approach is 'user friendly' and leaves the reader with a confident can-do attitude to communicate results and plans to staff and the community.
Ethical Decision Making in School Administration
Author: Paul A. Wagner
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452211892
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Pedagogically rich, demographically inclusive, and culturally sensitive, Ethical Decision Making in School and District Administration exposes educational leaders to an interdisciplinary array of theories from the fields of education, economics, management, and moral philosophy (past and present). Authors Paul A. Wagner and Douglas J. Simpson demonstrate how understanding key concepts can dramatically improve management styles and protocols. Key Features Contains numerous case studies that apply the book's concepts to relevant ethical issues faced by school administrators Reveals possibilities for thinking outside the box in terms of morally informed and effective leadership strategies aimed at securing organizational commitment and shared vision Presents multiple theories of ethics, demonstrating how they inform decision making and culture building in school districts Incorporates a range of in-text learning aids, including figures that clarify and critique ideas, a complete glossary, and end-of-chapter activities and questions
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452211892
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
Pedagogically rich, demographically inclusive, and culturally sensitive, Ethical Decision Making in School and District Administration exposes educational leaders to an interdisciplinary array of theories from the fields of education, economics, management, and moral philosophy (past and present). Authors Paul A. Wagner and Douglas J. Simpson demonstrate how understanding key concepts can dramatically improve management styles and protocols. Key Features Contains numerous case studies that apply the book's concepts to relevant ethical issues faced by school administrators Reveals possibilities for thinking outside the box in terms of morally informed and effective leadership strategies aimed at securing organizational commitment and shared vision Presents multiple theories of ethics, demonstrating how they inform decision making and culture building in school districts Incorporates a range of in-text learning aids, including figures that clarify and critique ideas, a complete glossary, and end-of-chapter activities and questions
Transformational Leadership & Decision Making in Schools
Author: Robert E. Brower
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1483361489
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 145
Book Description
"Public education is constantly evolving, and new challenges require school officials to be insightful, prepared, and innovative. It is because of these changing times that this book, which offers a different view of systems analysis and organizational behavior, is so valuable." —Frank Bush, Executive Director Indiana School Boards Association "Educational leaders need a basis for confident decision making. The authors have a solution for challenging times." —Kay Harmless, Interim Director, Indiana Principal Leadership Academy Indiana Department of Education What decisions are in the best interest of students, teachers, staff, and others in your school community? It is essential for every school leader to possess the savvy to effect positive change, raise achievement levels, and foster a positive school climate. Now it seems that the struggle for school leaders to make productive decisions has become clouded with ever-growing uncertainty and skepticism. Transformational Leadership & Decision Making in Schools emphasizes the need for a resilient decision-making pedagogy—one that helps school leaders find and re-center their approaches to making effective decisions for their schools and districts. This important resource provides methods and strategies to tackle tough decisions, providing concise step-by-step considerations to transform your decision making. The essential information presented includes: A personal decision-making self-assessment Reflective thinking sections for individual reflection and group dialogue Discussion of the role of vision and mission Ideas on motivation and the capacity for change A look at barriers to decision making Information on developing relationships with respect and rapport
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1483361489
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 145
Book Description
"Public education is constantly evolving, and new challenges require school officials to be insightful, prepared, and innovative. It is because of these changing times that this book, which offers a different view of systems analysis and organizational behavior, is so valuable." —Frank Bush, Executive Director Indiana School Boards Association "Educational leaders need a basis for confident decision making. The authors have a solution for challenging times." —Kay Harmless, Interim Director, Indiana Principal Leadership Academy Indiana Department of Education What decisions are in the best interest of students, teachers, staff, and others in your school community? It is essential for every school leader to possess the savvy to effect positive change, raise achievement levels, and foster a positive school climate. Now it seems that the struggle for school leaders to make productive decisions has become clouded with ever-growing uncertainty and skepticism. Transformational Leadership & Decision Making in Schools emphasizes the need for a resilient decision-making pedagogy—one that helps school leaders find and re-center their approaches to making effective decisions for their schools and districts. This important resource provides methods and strategies to tackle tough decisions, providing concise step-by-step considerations to transform your decision making. The essential information presented includes: A personal decision-making self-assessment Reflective thinking sections for individual reflection and group dialogue Discussion of the role of vision and mission Ideas on motivation and the capacity for change A look at barriers to decision making Information on developing relationships with respect and rapport
Schools and Data
Author: Theodore B. Creighton
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 145223843X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
Praise for the First Edition: "Creighton′s descriptions of the applicability and helpfulness of statistics for educators is especially strong. His use of plain language and school-based examples is crucial." -Scott McLeod, Assistant Professor University of Cincinnati Improve instructional leadership practice with proven, easy-to-understand strategies for data-based decision making! Since the first edition of Schools and Data, the No Child Left Behind Act has swept the country, and data-based decision making is no longer an option for educators. Today′s educational climate makes it imperative for all schools to collect data and use statistical analysis to help create clear goals and recognize strategies for improvement. Schools and Data, Second Edition, focuses on the relevance of statistics in the lives of principals and teachers. Real-life examples and step-by-step procedures for collecting and organizing data provide every school leader with the means to facilitate more appropriate and effective decision making. With a highly practical method for statistical analysis, this comprehensive yet reader-friendly new edition places special emphasis on: Connecting statistics and educators′ daily work Integrating applied technology, including Excel and SPSS software Strengthening educators′ data interpretation skills Building strong skills in problem analysis, program evaluation, data-driven decision making, and report preparation Increasing the focus on correlation and regression Packed with easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, and real-world examples that educators can readily understand, this is an essential resource for school leaders who want to create meaningful, data-driven decisions! *Note: The author created web site that provides information and activities paralleling the individual chapters of the second education of Schools and Data text is NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 145223843X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
Praise for the First Edition: "Creighton′s descriptions of the applicability and helpfulness of statistics for educators is especially strong. His use of plain language and school-based examples is crucial." -Scott McLeod, Assistant Professor University of Cincinnati Improve instructional leadership practice with proven, easy-to-understand strategies for data-based decision making! Since the first edition of Schools and Data, the No Child Left Behind Act has swept the country, and data-based decision making is no longer an option for educators. Today′s educational climate makes it imperative for all schools to collect data and use statistical analysis to help create clear goals and recognize strategies for improvement. Schools and Data, Second Edition, focuses on the relevance of statistics in the lives of principals and teachers. Real-life examples and step-by-step procedures for collecting and organizing data provide every school leader with the means to facilitate more appropriate and effective decision making. With a highly practical method for statistical analysis, this comprehensive yet reader-friendly new edition places special emphasis on: Connecting statistics and educators′ daily work Integrating applied technology, including Excel and SPSS software Strengthening educators′ data interpretation skills Building strong skills in problem analysis, program evaluation, data-driven decision making, and report preparation Increasing the focus on correlation and regression Packed with easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, and real-world examples that educators can readily understand, this is an essential resource for school leaders who want to create meaningful, data-driven decisions! *Note: The author created web site that provides information and activities paralleling the individual chapters of the second education of Schools and Data text is NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Data-driven Decision Making for Effective School Leadership
Author: Anthony G. Picciano
Publisher: Prentice Hall
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
Brief ContentsPrefacePrologue Concepts and Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Making Introduction to Data-Driven Decision Making Planning and Developing Information Resources Hardware, Software, and People Educational Research Methods and Tools Teachers and Administrators as Researchers Basic Applications Student Data, Demographics, and Enrollments School and the Community Financial Management and Budgeting Supporting Teaching and Learning Supporting Teachers and Their Professional Development Technical Support Review of Statistical Routines Used in this Book Introduction to Spreadsheet Software Introduction to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Database Management Terms and Sample Outline Internet Resources for Data-Driven Decision MakingGlossaryIndex Contents PrefacePrologue Concepts and Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Making Introduction to Data-Driven Decision Making Rationale for Adopting Data-Driven Decision Making Purpose of This Book Defining Data-Driven Decision Making An Old Idea: Knowledge Is Power Need for Planning The Systems Approach Organization of This Book SummaryReferences Planning and Developing Information Resources School Districts Take the Lead Defining Information Needs Database Management Systems Long-Term and Short-Term Data Resources SummaryCase StudyReferences Hardware, Software, and People A Brief Look at Infrastructure Hardware for Effective Data Management and Access Client-Server Architecture Software for Data Analysis Developing People Resources The Data Analyst SummaryCase StudyReferences Educational Research Methods and Tools The Scientific Method and Educational Research Educational Research Methods Ethnographic Research Historical Research Descriptive Research Correlational Research Causal Comparative Research Experimental Research Action Research Data Collection Tools Direct Observation Structured Interviews Document Analysis Surveys Test Instruments SummaryCase StudyReferences Teachers and Administrators as Researchers Learning Communities Action Research in Action Trial Testing a Peer Tutoring Program Multiple Intelligences in a Foreign Language Program Advancing to an Inclusion Program SummaryActivitiesReferences Basic Applications Student Data, Demographics, and Enrollments Student Data Enrollment Projections at the District Level Attendance Zones and Individual Schools Taking a Census Special Student Populations SummaryActivitiesReferences School and the Community Partnering with the Community: Broad-Based Surveys Anatomy of a Survey Who Will Participate in the Survey? What Data Will Be Collected? Data Analysis Is the Sample Representative of the High School Population? Do Students Have Access to the Internet? The Committee's Next Steps SummaryActivitiesReferences Financial Management and Budgeting Basic Terminology School District Budget School Budget The Canton Alternative School Budget Emergency SummaryActivitiesReferences Supporting Teaching and Learning States, Cities, Districts, Schools, Classes, Teachers, Students Improving Teaching and Learning Jefferson Middle School Developing a Plan Information Overload: A Caution SummaryActivitiesReferences Supporting Teachers and Their Professional Development Summative and Formative Evaluation Collecting Personnel Data Kingsland School District Case Study Keeping Track of Professional Development SummaryActivitiesReferences Technical Support Review of Statistical Routines Used in this Book Key Terms Descriptive Statistical Procedures Frequency Distributions Contingency Tables (Crosstabulations) Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Dispersion Measures of Relationship Correlational Coefficient Linear Regression Caution Introduction to Spreadsheet Software Overview and Key Terms Spreadsheet Structure Data Types and Data Manipulation Charts and Graphics Introduction to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Overview The Data Editor Creating a Data Set Defining Variables Transforming Data Options Data Analysis Procedures and the Output Viewer Graphs and Charts Database Management Terms and Sample Outline Internet Resources for Data-Driven Decision MakingGlossaryIndex.
Publisher: Prentice Hall
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
Brief ContentsPrefacePrologue Concepts and Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Making Introduction to Data-Driven Decision Making Planning and Developing Information Resources Hardware, Software, and People Educational Research Methods and Tools Teachers and Administrators as Researchers Basic Applications Student Data, Demographics, and Enrollments School and the Community Financial Management and Budgeting Supporting Teaching and Learning Supporting Teachers and Their Professional Development Technical Support Review of Statistical Routines Used in this Book Introduction to Spreadsheet Software Introduction to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Database Management Terms and Sample Outline Internet Resources for Data-Driven Decision MakingGlossaryIndex Contents PrefacePrologue Concepts and Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Making Introduction to Data-Driven Decision Making Rationale for Adopting Data-Driven Decision Making Purpose of This Book Defining Data-Driven Decision Making An Old Idea: Knowledge Is Power Need for Planning The Systems Approach Organization of This Book SummaryReferences Planning and Developing Information Resources School Districts Take the Lead Defining Information Needs Database Management Systems Long-Term and Short-Term Data Resources SummaryCase StudyReferences Hardware, Software, and People A Brief Look at Infrastructure Hardware for Effective Data Management and Access Client-Server Architecture Software for Data Analysis Developing People Resources The Data Analyst SummaryCase StudyReferences Educational Research Methods and Tools The Scientific Method and Educational Research Educational Research Methods Ethnographic Research Historical Research Descriptive Research Correlational Research Causal Comparative Research Experimental Research Action Research Data Collection Tools Direct Observation Structured Interviews Document Analysis Surveys Test Instruments SummaryCase StudyReferences Teachers and Administrators as Researchers Learning Communities Action Research in Action Trial Testing a Peer Tutoring Program Multiple Intelligences in a Foreign Language Program Advancing to an Inclusion Program SummaryActivitiesReferences Basic Applications Student Data, Demographics, and Enrollments Student Data Enrollment Projections at the District Level Attendance Zones and Individual Schools Taking a Census Special Student Populations SummaryActivitiesReferences School and the Community Partnering with the Community: Broad-Based Surveys Anatomy of a Survey Who Will Participate in the Survey? What Data Will Be Collected? Data Analysis Is the Sample Representative of the High School Population? Do Students Have Access to the Internet? The Committee's Next Steps SummaryActivitiesReferences Financial Management and Budgeting Basic Terminology School District Budget School Budget The Canton Alternative School Budget Emergency SummaryActivitiesReferences Supporting Teaching and Learning States, Cities, Districts, Schools, Classes, Teachers, Students Improving Teaching and Learning Jefferson Middle School Developing a Plan Information Overload: A Caution SummaryActivitiesReferences Supporting Teachers and Their Professional Development Summative and Formative Evaluation Collecting Personnel Data Kingsland School District Case Study Keeping Track of Professional Development SummaryActivitiesReferences Technical Support Review of Statistical Routines Used in this Book Key Terms Descriptive Statistical Procedures Frequency Distributions Contingency Tables (Crosstabulations) Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Dispersion Measures of Relationship Correlational Coefficient Linear Regression Caution Introduction to Spreadsheet Software Overview and Key Terms Spreadsheet Structure Data Types and Data Manipulation Charts and Graphics Introduction to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Overview The Data Editor Creating a Data Set Defining Variables Transforming Data Options Data Analysis Procedures and the Output Viewer Graphs and Charts Database Management Terms and Sample Outline Internet Resources for Data-Driven Decision MakingGlossaryIndex.
Educational Goods
Author: Harry Brighouse
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022651417X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
This book, jointly authored by two distinguished philosophers and two prominent social scientists, has an ambitious aim: to improve decision-making in education policy. First they dive into the goals of education policy and explain the terms "educational goods" and "childhood goods," adding precision and clarity to the discussion of the distributive values that are essential for good decision-making about education. Then they provide a framework for individual decision-makers that enables them to combine values and evidence in the evaluation of educational policy options. Finally they delve into the particular policy issues of school finance, school accountability, and school choice, and they show how decision makers might approach them in the light of this decision-making framework. The authors are not advocated particular policy choices, however. The focus instead is a smart framework that will make it easier for policymakers (and readers) to identify and think through what they disagree with others about.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 022651417X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
This book, jointly authored by two distinguished philosophers and two prominent social scientists, has an ambitious aim: to improve decision-making in education policy. First they dive into the goals of education policy and explain the terms "educational goods" and "childhood goods," adding precision and clarity to the discussion of the distributive values that are essential for good decision-making about education. Then they provide a framework for individual decision-makers that enables them to combine values and evidence in the evaluation of educational policy options. Finally they delve into the particular policy issues of school finance, school accountability, and school choice, and they show how decision makers might approach them in the light of this decision-making framework. The authors are not advocated particular policy choices, however. The focus instead is a smart framework that will make it easier for policymakers (and readers) to identify and think through what they disagree with others about.