This descriptive, multiple case study was designed to convey a clear portrayal of the DIDM practice of six superintendents and to provide a description of what these superintendents employ during their decision making process. The ability of local education leaders to strategically influence the use of data for decision making has a large effect on successfully utilizing DIDM for school improvement (Park, Daly, & Guerra, 2013). The data to knowledge continuum developed by Mandinach, Honey, and Light (2006) provided the basic structure for the design of the study including data collection and analysis. This study provides insight into the DIDM practice of six superintendents and their utilization of data, and how they executed their decision making processes with the overall goal of increasing student achievement at the forefront of all decisions. Because this study is a multiple case study, two stages of analysis, within-case and cross-case, occurred (Merriam, 1998). The within-case analysis considered each case individually; the cross-case analysis considered all cases. The single case analysis revealed categories that developed within each case, and the cross case analysis revealed themes that cut across the six cases resulting in the findings. These finding were the basis for the "answers" to the research questions. I derived eight conclusions from the findings and I relate these conclusions with previous literature to provide a context to interpret the results. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]