What process involves reviewing information to inform educational decisions?

Data analysis is the process that involves reviewing information to make informed educational decisions. It entails systematically collecting, examining, and interpreting various types of data, such as student performance metrics, attendance records, and assessment results. By analyzing this data, educators and administrators can identify trends, strengths, areas needing improvement, and the effectiveness of instructional strategies. This informed approach ensures that decisions made about curriculum adjustments, resource allocations, and instructional practices are grounded in evidence, ultimately leading to enhanced educational outcomes.

In contrast, while curriculum evaluation and program assessment are essential practices within education, they are typically narrower in scope and focus on evaluating specific programs or curricula rather than the broader scope of data analysis. Policy review involves examining existing policies to determine their effectiveness or need for revisions but does not focus primarily on quantitative or qualitative data analysis for decision-making. Therefore, data analysis is specifically aimed at using data to inform revisions, enhancements, and strategic decisions within the educational context.