Data-Informed Participatory Leadership: Cultivating Collective Decision-Making in K–12 Schools Through Global Research and Local Practice

This presentation explores a research-based framework for participatory leadership in K–12 school systems, emphasizing the role of data-informed decision-making in fostering inclusive and sustainable school improvement. Drawing on foundational theories—transformational leadership, distributed leadership, and evidence-based management—it highlights how collaborative governance structures enhance educational outcomes, teacher engagement, and community trust. Global case studies from Finland, Canada, and the United States are examined, alongside practical insights from higher education leadership at Pepperdine University. The presentation introduces the “School-Based Participatory Data Teams” (SBPDT) model as a scalable approach for integrating collective voice and empirical evidence into school decision-making. The methodology is grounded in action research and design-based research, ensuring adaptability to local cultural and institutional contexts. This work aims to inspire Iranian educators and school leaders to adopt data-informed participatory strategies that elevate both teaching and learning.