Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

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)