Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

Session Description: Large public data systems are often built for accountability, then later expected to support urgent, human-centered decisions they were never designed for. This session examines what it actually takes to repurpose administrative data responsibly, using work from the California Community Colleges in response to the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires as a case study. Participants will explore why meaningful analytic insights often emerge after moments of crisis, and how putting processes in place ahead of time can make data more actionable, ethical, and useful when systems are under stress.

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