Strategic Data Project Convening 2026

Session Description: Generative AI is reshaping the education data landscape, yet many professionals approach it without collaboration across the data community. This session brings together participants in similar roles and in cross-role conversations to discuss AI adoption and use, deepening shared understanding of successes, challenges, and needs. Whether you are new to AI or an expert, the session offers space to exchange experiences, learn from peers, and build connections that support effective and responsible AI use.

Intended Audience: Managers of data or technology teams; Data analysts or independent researchers; Senior leaders (including cabinet-level leaders and executive directors)

Session Description: Many education organizations often treat evidence as an afterthought, rather than a crucial basis for decision-making. These organizations often lack a culture of asking the right questions and relying on evidence for decision making. In this session, participants will identify gaps in evidence use in their organizations and discuss strategies for how to create - and sustain - a culture of evidence and inquiry in their roles.

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

Session Description: SEA staff across the country face shared challenges in data reporting, assessment, and accountability but often lack opportunities to connect with peers in similar roles. This networking session will bring SEA professionals together for structured small-group discussions to share experiences, compare approaches, and learn from one another. SEA staff working in reporting, assessment, accountability, research, or related roles are encouraged to attend.

Intended Audience: State education agencies; Data analysts or independent researchers; Managers of data or technology teams

Session Description: Many data practitioners serve as the sole data voice within functional departments or small organizations where they must navigate cultures unfamiliar with rigorous evidence. This session brings these lone strategists together to swap strategies for establishing trust, managing workflows, and avoiding duplicative silos. Data strategists in LEAs/SEAs in HR, Finance, Safety, Federal Programs, etc.—and anyone serving as a "team of one"—are encouraged to attend and find their people.

Intended Audience: Data analysts or independent researchers; Districts, charters or other local education agencies; Philanthropies and Foundations

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: Data initiatives often fail at the adoption stage due to user resistance and data grief. This structured exchange will convene leaders, analysts, and directors to crowd-source solutions for managing data change. Participants will rotate through themed round tables on easing emotional resistance, aligning system design to user workloads, and building trust between data builders and decision-makers.

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