Ellen Mandinach is a leading expert in data-driven decision making, focusing on understanding how educators are using data to inform practice. She serves as Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Data for Decisions Initiative at WestEd. Mandinach is providing technical assistance to states around data systems and data use. She currently works with REL West's Clark County Professional Learning Partnership to provide coaching to principals on Early Warning Indicators and data systems. In addition, Mandinach is the content lead for the Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center's work on data-based decision making.

Mandinach served on a number of technical working groups and advisory boards on data use. She was an expert panelist on the Institute of Education Sciences practice guide for data-driven decision making, and on a National Center for Education Statistics working group focusing on researchers' use of statewide longitudinal data systems. She studied what schools of education are doing to prepare educators to use data, what is needed to build a research agenda for data-driven decision making, and how to define data literacy.

Mandinach directed an assessment of the Arizona Educational Learning and Assessment System. She has also directed large studies for the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and other funding sources.

She has served as Associate Director for research at EDC/CCT, Research Director at Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands, and Interim Director at Regional Educational Laboratory Appalachia. Mandinach also served on the research staffs of Educational Testing Service, Education Development Center, and CNA.

Mandinach has authored a number of journal articles, technical reports, and four books. She served as the President of the American Psychological Association's Division of Educational Psychology.

She received an AB in psychology from Smith College and a PhD in educational psychology from Stanford University.