"As the call for educational accountability increases, so does the importance of data. This practical guide, part of the Leading Student Achievement series, helps school leaders use evidence to shape, revise, and assess instructional reform. "Focusing on the significance of data in the development of realistic solutions to specific educational issues, this resource defines four types of data and helps principals: Understand their role as leader, communicator, and professional developer for data-driven reform; Introduce the use of data into the school improvement planning cycle; Create a team to gather relevant, valid, and comprehensive data. "With brainstorming templates, case studies, and planning forms for embedding data use into a school's culture, The Principal as Data-Driven Leader helps schools start on a journey to genuine accountability and demonstrable gains in student performance."-- Publisher description.