Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

Session Description: Education leaders often default to "additive bias," layering initiatives until systems become cluttered and ineffective. This interactive session reorients leaders toward achieving coherence through strategic subtraction. Drawing on Leidy Klotz’s research, participants will audit their agencies for "zombie programs" and redundant processes using a practical "Proving and Improving" laboratory. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to reduce initiative fatigue, reallocate resources, and create space for high-impact practices to flourish.

Intended Audience: Districts, charters or other local education agencies; State education agencies; Philanthropies and Foundations; Data analysts or independent researchers; Managers of data or technology teams; Senior leaders (including cabinet-level leaders and executive directors); Nonprofit organizations; Service providers

Session Description: In the age of Generative AI, student data is no longer just a record of achievement; it’s the key source for training and refining frontier models. As districts determine what AI tools to use, procurement is the intersection where safety meets connectivity. Participants will get hands-on experience with our AI Data Use and Protection Toolkit and walk away with a standardized framework for vetting AI vendors through the S.A.F.E. benchmarks and Project Unicorn’s interoperability standards.

Intended Audience: Districts, charters or other local education agencies; State education agencies; Senior leaders (including cabinet-level leaders and executive directors)