What happens when the data doesn’t support your position? Make something up.

In a world of accountability there must be data. Or something you call data but isn’t. But that’s a different post.

In school districts today the stupidest decisions are being made and justified by referring to some data.

Unless the data doesn’t support the stupid decision. In which case they go ahead with the stupid decision anyway.

Case in point: Arne Duncan’s Chicago pay-for-performance scheme.

Stephen Sawchuck in today’s EdWeek:

Preliminary results from a Chicago program containing performance-based compensation for teachers show no evidence that it has boosted student achievement on math and reading tests, compared with a group of similar, nonparticipating schools, an analysis released today concludes.

The study also found that the Chicago Teacher Advancement Program, a local version of the national TAP program, did not improve the rates of teacher retention in participating schools or in the district.

What does school management do when the data doesn’t support their plans?

Peter Cunningham, a spokesman for the federal Education Department, said, “We know TAP and other reforms are hard work. We can’t expect immediate results. That’s why we’re committed to evaluating programs over the long term and identifying ones that deliver the results for children.”

And what will happen when the long term results show no improvement? Peter will make up some other BS, that’s what.