Putting data to work “Effectively linking teachers and students: The key to improving teacher quality” Data Quality Campaign, July 2010 High-quality data are critical in developing definitions and policies to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement. This policy brief explores the challenges faced by states and districts and presents examples of successful policies and strategies. While data is useful to policy makers, teachers can use the information to assess and strengthen their own instruction— and student outcomes. above all, the report argues, quality information is necessary for making decisions related to personnel, professional development, programs, curriculum, and more.   “How high schools become exemplary: Ways that leadership raises achievement and narrows gaps by improving instruction in 15 public high schools” The Achievement Gap Initiative, June 2009 How do some schools become models of achievement? a report from the achievement gap Initiative’s annual conference looks at 15 exemplary public high schools from around the country.