Convening Session RFP

We are excited to accept session proposals for SDP Convening 2026, taking place May 13–14 in Cambridge, MA. Our 2026 theme is Proof Positive centered on our dual commitments to evidence that illuminates and positivity that sustains progress. In a climate of rising skepticism about data and education, the burden of proof is on us to show where students stand and what truly works. Yet, it takes more than just numbers; it takes trust, relationships, and a positive vision for what is possible.

Proof Positive asks us to go beyond finding answers but instead to demonstrate openly what works, to build trustworthy data systems, and to communicate results with clarity, transparency, and hope. Together, let’s show how rigorous evidence both guides our actions and inspires the next phase of progress in education.

This year, we’re seeking proposals that highlight not only how we build compelling proof, but how we sustain momentum through optimism, inclusivity, and authentic engagement. How do we cultivate a culture of trust in data-driven decisions? What does it mean to reveal honest results, and how do we learn from both success and challenge? How do we elevate positive outcomes in ways that benefit all students, especially those most underserved?

At the 2026 Convening, you’ll join leading practitioners, researchers, and education leaders from across the country to tackle these questions from every angle, focusing on evidence generation, positive impact, and the relationships that make results stick. 

Read on for more details about session proposal requirements and submit your proposal before the deadline, NOW EXTENDED to MONDAY, January 26, 2026.

SDP Convening 2026 Session Themes

We will accept session proposals across the full P20W spectrum, from early education through the workforce, that fit within at least one of the following themes:

1. Communicating What Works: Evidence-Based Innovations That Make a Difference

Sessions in this theme spotlight how rigorously collected and analyzed data is shaping educational policy, programs, and decisions at every level, while also highlighting the real-world impact and bright spots that result. Sessions should describe innovative, evidence-based approaches but also share compelling success stories: What’s working, and why? How has data-driven decision-making led to meaningful change for students, schools, or systems? Topics may include evidence for driving funding decisions, fostering equity and transparency, informing curriculum and accountability, as well as approaches for celebrating wins, communicating results, and inspiring trust and future action.  

2. Positivity in Practice: Listening, Empathy, and Trust

Proposals should illuminate how prioritizing relationships, inclusion, and empathy builds environments where data is valued and used well. How do we listen to diverse voices, students, teachers, communities) to uncover new evidence? How do we build positive, trusting partnerships between data leaders and decision-makers? We seek practical strategies for making space for honest dialogue, difficult conversations, and collective action that sustains progress.

3. Proof of Concept: Testing New Ideas

Sessions in this theme should delve into innovation and experimentation. This theme spotlights pilot projects, early-stage interventions, and new ideas being tested in educational contexts. Share how you experimented with something new, what initial evidence says, and what’s next for scaling or refining your idea. Learn about novel interventions in education, as well as new processes for making work more impactful and efficient.

4. Proving and Improving

Sessions in this theme emphasize the importance of ongoing improvement within educational settings. These sessions will explore how schools, districts, and education organizations can use data to drive continuous cycles of learning, assessment, and refinement for policies and classroom practices. Sessions should share strategies, playbooks, tools, software, frameworks, and methods that help educators translate insights into meaningful action. How can we foster a culture of continuous improvement in education? What successful approaches help educators, administrators, and policymakers learn from data and make informed adjustments to better serve all learners? 

Example Session Topics

We especially welcome proposals that address the following interests of the SDP network and convening attendees:

• Academic return on investment
• Student behavioral health and wellbeing
• Teacher observation, evaluation, and growth
• Forecasting teacher demand and workforce trends
• Early literacy research and scalable interventions
• School-readiness measures and transitions
• Multilingual learner supports (especially in early education)
• Statewide metrics for accountability and student success
• Building data partnerships across organizational lines
• Low-cost/open-access solutions for sustainable impact
• GenAI and its applications in educational data analysis

Sessions should center equity and draw on a range of perspectives. We value respectful disagreement, transparency, and honest debate as part of our proof-positive approach. 

Submit a Proposal for a Networking Session

This year, we are also seeking proposals for sessions designed to bring our community together.  

In support of our goal to foster new connections and strengthen existing relationships across the education data community, we invite proposals for networking-focused sessions. Do you have an idea for a structured networking event, affinity group gathering, peer exchange, or themed roundtable? We welcome creative formats designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, or idea-sharing beyond traditional presentations.

Networking session proposals should:

• Outline the session’s format, audience, and intended outcomes (e.g., meet-ups for people in similar roles, “birds of a feather” discussions, mentoring circles, topic-based speed networking, etc.).
• Indicate any required resources (facilitators, materials, space setup).
• Emphasize inclusivity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement for participants.
• Fit within the 75-minute session window.
• These sessions are a chance to help attendees “find their people,” spark new collaborations, and build a stronger, lasting SDP network. Whether you wish to convene professionals in similar roles across sectors, focus on shared challenges, or simply create space for community-building, we eagerly await your ideas! 

Submitting Your Proposal

Step One: Choose a Theme

Begin by selecting at least one of the Session Themes above that best fits your proposal.

Step Two: Consider your Audience

Our attendees represent the full landscape—from local and state agencies to institutions of higher education, nonprofits, philanthropies, and service providers, across P20W. They fill roles such as analysts, researchers, data and tech managers, directors, and executive leaders. Please indicate who your session will best serve, especially considering technical expertise, background, and sphere of influence.

Step Three: Craft Your Session

Sessions will be 75 minutes and delivered in person in Cambridge, MA. 

Selection Criteria

All proposals are reviewed by SDP staff and our Alumni Advisory Board. We will evaluate each for:

• Relevance to the Proof Positive theme
• Clarity and specificity in session goals and description
• Alignment with focus areas and audience needs
• Commitment to inclusion and excellence
• Opportunities for actionable learning and debate

We encourage proposals representing multiple perspectives—diverse presenters and experiences are highly valued. If a promising submission lacks alignment to our inclusive excellence commitment, we may contact you to broaden representation. 

Timeline + Benefits

Deadline NOW EXTENDED: 11:59pm EST, MONDAY, January 26, 2026

Notification: February 20, 2026

2 selected speakers per session will receive a complimentary conference registration (value: $1,025) and may request a discounted conference hotel rate. All additional speakers will be eligible to register at a discounted rate of $199 per person. Speakers are otherwise responsible for their travel and lodging. 

SDP is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive convening where we learn from each other, challenge each other, and move forward together—proof in hand, optimism in heart.

We look forward to your proposals for SDP Convening 2026: Proof Positive!