#  SDP Convening 

 



##  SDP Convening 

Every year, our network of data strategists, education leaders, and research faculty come together to exchange knowledge and share what works in making evidence-informed change.   
  
SDP Convening is an invitation-only event.



 

 

 

       ![](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2024-12/sdp%20convening%20hero.jpg?itok=ACd2plx3) 

 

 



 

 



 

##  2026 SDP Convening 

SDP Convening will be held May 13-14, 2026, in Cambridge, MA, at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge.

This year’s SDP Annual Convening theme is "Proof Positive"—our twin commitments to proof that guides decisions and positivity that sustains progress. With skepticism in science rising and research priorities shifting, the burden of proof is on us to demonstrate where our students stand and what works in education. But proof isn’t the whole story. In a time when facts seem hard to discern from fiction, we can light the path, build trustworthy data systems, strengthen relationships with the decision-makers who use them, and share data-informed wins openly and often.



 

 ### Present

Share your knowledge, skills, and experiences with the broader SDP network.



 

   ![Present](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/present.jpg?itok=L5tB8FAi) 

 

 

 

 ### Network

Inspiring research and education leaders from across our networks attend our convenings. Join us to learn from others' expertise and experiences.



 

   ![Network](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/network.jpg?itok=ElI4vnif) 

 

 

 

 ### Celebrate

Current and former fellows can submit a project to be honored for evidence-informed excellence. Join us to celebrate their accomplishments.  
  
[**Learn about previous Award recipients.**](/award "Strategic Data Excellence Award")



 

   ![Celebrate](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-12/celebrate.jpg?itok=1HyRyrvN) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  SDP Convening Sponsorship Opportunities 

Reach a unique audience of hundreds of decisionmakers and data leads from across school systems, states, and nonprofit organizations ranging from early education through workforce.

[Become a Sponsor](https://mailchi.mp/de2bc42e7bc2/2026sdpconveningsponsorships)



 

 

##  Learn about strategic data work 

Each spring, SDP Convening attendees hear from the graduating SDP Fellow cohort as they share their findings from strategic analytic questions their agency faced and the lessons they learned. In recent years, examples of SDP Fellows' projects include:

 

 



 [ ](https://prod-sdp.drupalsites.harvard.edu/blog/disparities-texas-teacher-pipeline)What began as an analysis of the nuances of Texas' manifold educator preparatory programs, SDP Fellow LaCole Foots’ project revealed a racial component that would be critical in light of Texas’ increasingly diverse student body.



 

 

 [ ](https://prod-sdp.drupalsites.harvard.edu/blog/who-succeeds-cte-tracking-career-and-technical-education-student-outcomes)Two SDP-CTE ECMCF Fellows at Valencia College analyzed outcomes for all first-time students who enrolled and were seeking a degree or certificate, to establish a clear set of completion data and metrics based on student characteristics, chosen pathways, and program attributes.



 

 

 [ ](https://prod-sdp.drupalsites.harvard.edu/blog/hidden-truth-roi)In the School District of Palm Beach County, SDP Fellow Abigail Todhunter-Reid leveraged ROI alongside a program evaluation, providing evidence for district leaders to implement a program and ensure greater return. Read more.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SDP Convening theme in 2025 was "Now What?" as we grappled with the major disruptions and opportunities of our time. We pivoted from celebrating the possibilities of data to engaging in dialogue about how to move from insights to action.

How do we translate technological advances in education into sustainable practices? How can we ensure ethical use of data while pushing the boundaries of innovation? What are the emerging trends and obstacles, and how can we prepare for them? Without clear evidence to guide where we go next, we risk slowing or undoing the progress we have made.

[Read about SDP Convening 2025.](https://sdp.cepr.harvard.edu/sdp-convening-2025)



 

The 2024 SDP Convening theme of "Just Numbers" provoked a dual exploration—celebrating the power of data and evidence in driving decisions and policies, while simultaneously challenging us to consider the deeper, ethical implications of data usage in education. Together, we thought about the role of numbers in ensuring that the students and families who are most underserved by our systems have greater opportunities for an excellent education.

[Read about SDP Convening 2024.](https://mailchi.mp/gse.harvard.edu/sdp-convening-2024-recap)



 

##  Past Agencies in Attendance 

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools  
Atlanta Public Schools  
Gates Foundation  
California Cradle-to-Career Data System  
Chicago Public Schools  
CityBridge Education  
Cleveland Metropolitan School District  
Cowen Institute, Tulane  
EdReports.org  
Fulton County Schools  
Highlander Institute  
Kentucky Department of Education  
New York City Department of Education  
New York State Education Department  
Achievement Network  
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education  
American Indian Higher Education Consortium  
Atlanta Public Schools  
California State University Educator Quality Center  
CityBridge Education  
Connecticut RISE  
IDEA Public Schools  
Lake Washington School District  
Texas Education Agency  
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)  
Urban Teachers