What happens when schools focus on the right kind of data? Elaine Allensworth joins the Leaders Coaching Leaders podcast to discuss the transformative power of meaningful metrics in education. Drawing from her groundbreaking work in Chicago Public Schools, Elaine shares how identifying critical data points, like ninth-grade course failures, can create a ripple effect of dramatic improvements in student outcomes. With decades of experience in education research, Elaine highlights the role of ninth-grade success as a foundation for long-term achievement and explains why data is best used as a tool for communication and collaboration. Unraveling the complexities of data overload, she outlines ways for educators and district leaders to prioritize actionable insights that lead to meaningful impact. Inspiring, insightful, and packed with strategies, this conversation will leave you rethinking how data can fuel positive change in education.