Why another book on decision making? In this increasingly complex world, there are many tensions inherent in the daily practice of educational lead- ers. This book illuminates these tensions, and acknowledges the reality that there are already multiple approaches to decision making in any educational context. The authors offer a guide to integrate the influences of school and community members as well as data and organizational context into the decision making process. They focus on underexamined dimensions of deci- sion making, including (1) the art of theory-use, (2) organizational context, (3) political dynamics, (4) inferential leaps and causal assumptions, (5) the role of intuition, (6) data-driven decision making, (7) the role of emotions and affect, and (8) making the tough decision. Dispositions that enhance success are highlighted. These ideas will empower school principals, superintendents, and other educational leaders to approach with confidence the decisions they are called on to make.

“Well written and a very engaging read, the volume does an outstanding job of bringing together diverse lenses from several fields to help understand the dynamics of decision making in school settings.”