Data use and decision-making--these two phrases have appeared together in probably hundreds of education articles and have been the topic of a host of presentations during the past decade. In addition, research studies have confirmed the importance of data-informed decision-making to school improvement. Thus, school leaders have found it makes…

Reviews demographic and other trends in elementary schools, including pupil teacher ratios, school size, student and family characteristics, private schools, teacher age and years of teaching, state and local revenues, federal aid, expenditures, and writing and reading proficiencies. Includes five tables. (MD)