In a school setting, what does data-driven mean?

• A. Statistics are routinely collected and used as the basis for institutional decisions
• B. Opinions guide decisions
• C. Decisions are made without measurement
• D. Only qualitative data are used

Answer: (A)

In data-driven decision making, choices are guided by evidence gathered through systematic measurement and analysis. In a school, this means collecting data such as test scores, attendance, graduation rates, behavior referrals, and survey feedback, then using what the data show to shape policies, programs, and resource allocation. The option that says statistics are routinely collected and used as the basis for institutional decisions best fits this idea because it emphasizes gathering data and letting that evidence drive decisions. The other choices describe relying on opinions, making decisions without measurement, or using only one type of data, which do not reflect a data-driven approach.