Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

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.