Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

Session Description: Schools and districts are always searching for ways to streamline data collection and help generate proof points. And while the vast majority of organizations are using the Google Suite, most are using it for its basic functionality and not tapping into its full potential. This session will highlight various tools built in the Google Suite and inspire school/district leaders to think about how to leverage the Google Suite to improve their own orgs.

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

Session Description: While “college and career readiness” is a familiar phrase, college and career are hardly on equal footing in how success is defined and measured. This facilitated community dialogue will bring participants together to examine how current readiness frameworks shape policy, accountability systems, and public narratives about school quality. Participants from different roles will engage in structured discussion about how readiness definitions can support high expectations while recognizing multiple pathways to economic stability and success.

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

Session Description: In an era of rising skepticism, how do we build the evidence necessary to sustain bold educational innovations? We will go under the hood of two complex evaluations, a large-scale literacy pilot in Oakland and a workforce redesign initiative, to demonstrate how partial proof and transparent data practices can strengthen stakeholder trust. Data leaders and researchers will leave with strategic understandings for conducting and communicating rigorous evaluation when time is short and data is messy.

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