Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

The Strategic Data Project Network is excited to welcome you to Cambridge, MA!

During this time, check in to grab your badge, pick up some swag, and get ready for an incredible Convening 2026.

Kick off SDP Convening 2026 with a welcome from SDP’s Senior Director, Miriam Greenberg.

As we dive into this year’s theme—"Proof Positive?"—we’ll set the stage for two days of thought-provoking discussions, collaboration, and action.

Get ready to explore how we turn insights into impact and navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Welcome to Cambridge and to SDP Convening 2026!

Research has shown that cell phone use by youth and teens can lead to distractions, cyberbullying, and poor mental health. The national conversation has shifted to taking away students’ phones during the school day as a solution to these challenges. But is it enough? We bring together researchers and state and district perspectives about how cell phone bans have proof of improving students’ wellbeing, what questions we should be asking, and what it looks like to make these policies possible.

Please join fellows from Cohort 16 (2024-2026) and MSI Data Community of Practice (2025-2026) on both the 14th and 16th floors to view their capstone posters. During this block, fellows will be present to discuss and review their work with the SDP network. Cohort 16 and MSI fellow posters will be intermixed between both floors.


This year, capstone posters will remain available throughout the workshop on the lobby level following the capstone session.


Refreshments will be available throughout this time as you mingle and learn from graduating fellows.

• Click here to see our thematic map of poster topics and locations
• All Cohort 16 posters are linked here in alphabetical order
• All MSI posters are linked here in alphabetical order

How can academic research “meet the moment” in a time when school-related crises dominate the headlines, and how do we turn data into real action for students?

In this keynote, Prof. Matt Kraft (Brown University) will explore how evidence can help us better understand what is happening in schools today and guide more effective responses. He will highlight where we have strong proof about what works, as well as the critical questions where evidence is still limited and more research is urgently needed.

Topics will include teacher shortages, COVID recovery and tutoring, climate and environmental pressures on schools, school gun violence, inequitable access to learning time, and related challenges facing educators and systems now.