In a time when fewer resources force school leaders to make critical decisions, the data-driven decision-making model continues to offer promise. This research project provides observations about factors used for decision making from 14 district leaders across five Iowa school districts. Placing these factors for decision making within the framework of a data driven decision making model provides insights for school leaders striving to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of decision making in their own districts. In doing so, educational leaders might ultimately implement educational change with greater effectiveness.