Data Based Decision Making (DBDM), the process of gathering, analyzing, applying, and sharing data in order to promote school improvement, has recently become a prominent process in the quest to assist students in attaining educational success and helping schools meet accountability benchmarks (Wayman, 2005; Poynton & Carey, 2006). This manuscript presents a pilot study undertaken in a Mid-Atlantic state to discern foundational understandings of DBDM by school staff. Results from the study reveal a lack of clarity on the foundational underpinnings of DBDM, as well as a lack of assessment literacy. (Contains 6 tables.)