A Decade of Education Data: The Strategic Data Project Celebrates its 10th year.

The 2018-19 year marks the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Data Project. Ten years ago, the majority of school systems were amassing a treasure trove of student-level data for the first time yet lacked the capacity to maximize data for higher purposes. This is precisely what drove the conception of the Strategic Data Project, to identify top quantitative talent and share tools for effective data use. We knew that we could help shape the policy and management decisions that directly influence schools' and teachers' abilities to improve student achievement. 

Ten years later, it is scarcely news that data arms us with significant insights for improved decision making. Though we are in an era deemed "post truth" by some, our larger cultural moment is positioning data-driven decision making as increasingly critical. Education is no exception. And this data-rich environment combines now with the current student success agenda to renew our national focus on the power of student data to increase student learning and achievement.

Yet it's one thing to know that we should incorporate data into decisions, and quite another to determine exactly how. The path to asking the right questions, uncovering trends, measuring solutions, and effectively communicating evidence still requires world class talent and a focused effort to use data for more than just reporting. Indeed, while school systems are in the "business" of providing learning opportunities to students, we are not yet systematically learning about what our students need to succeed. Too many school systems still use data to back predetermined policy decisions rather than inform right action. This is why we fell compelled to tell the stories of SDP partners who used analytics to make education better.

In SDP's 10th year, we are reflecting on the success of a decade of data. A decade of building the capacity for rigourous, comprehensive data analysis critical to producing and sustaining evidence-based decisions. A decade of working with over 125 school systems and organizations to maximize their impact on students. A decade of training fellows, organizations, and leaders to look at the big picture of data governance. And we're looking forward to celebrating the work we've done to help translate data into action.

Over the next few months, we'll be showcasing stories of impact and collaboration between agencies and fellows. Stories of ten fellows (for ten years) will shed light on the work that has been done through this program and ultimately help pave the path for what's possible in the coming years. Stories will span the topical, demographic, and geographic specturm to ultimately lead us into our 2019 "Strength in Numbers" Annual Convening

The network of system leaders, faculty, and fellows that have come together through the work of SDP is inspiring, to say the least. Together, we've spent ten years working to improve the lives of students across the country, and we can't wait to share their stories with you.