Availability, Utilization, and Relevance of School’s Data for Efficient Leadership Toward Data-Driven Culture in a Selected Vocational College in Jiangsu China

Abstract

This study examines the availability, utilization, and relevance of school data in fostering a data-driven culture for leadership in a vocational college in Jiangsu, China. Using a quantitative research design, it investigates teachers' perceptions of data practices, identifies areas for improvement, and explores relationships among key variables. Findings indicate that data availability is generally high, with strong access to student records and behavior data, but gaps exist in integrating nationwide assessments and aggregated survey responses. While data utilization is effective in supporting institutional operations, areas such as empirical data use and curriculum evaluation require attention. The relevance of data is widely recognized for enhancing personalized learning and lesson planning; however, its application in curriculum assessment and tracking student progress scored lower. Significant differences were noted in data utilization based on teaching experience and grade levels, with mid-career teachers and those teaching higher grades demonstrating higher confidence in data practices. Strong positive correlations were observed among availability, utilization, and relevance of data, underscoring their interconnectedness. To address these findings, strategies were proposed, including enhanced access to external data sources, targeted professional development, modernized technological infrastructure, and the establishment of collaborative frameworks. A general implementation plan outlines a phased approach for integrating these strategies, focusing on preparation, capacity building, infrastructure development, and policy formulation. The study underscores the critical role of data in improving leadership efficiency, teaching practices, and institutional outcomes, offering practical recommendations for fostering a sustainable data-driven culture in educational institutions.