SDP Convening 2025

The Strategic Data Project (SDP) 2025 Annual Convening drew together 350+ representatives from SDP’s network of fellows, alumni, partner organizations, and special guests—making it the largest convening to date—to grapple with the major disruptions and opportunities of our time. Across two mainstage panels, one keynote, and 29 concurrent sessions, panelists, researchers, and graduating fellows shared their insights, discussed action steps to pave the way forward, and reinvigorated one another with reminders of progress made and possibilities ahead.

350+

Attendees

sessions

Capstone Presentations

The world is shifting very fast, but I want us to be thinking about what we have to work with: skills, knowledge, tools, and entrepreneurial mindsets. SDP Fellows and partners won’t use yesterday’s playbook to solve today’s problems.

Miriam Greenberg

SDP Senior Director

Key Themes

"Now What?”, the theme of this year's convening, acknowledged the importance of clear evidence to guide where we go next, asking: 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?

As part of the theme, the convening urged attendees to consider how to move from insights to action, a call that speakers and panelists took up, sharing the ways in which they are guiding their states to step into a leadership role, empowering parents and the public with accurate information about how students are doing, guiding investments toward evidence and outcomes-based spending to make the most of more limited resources, and translating and communicating data in more actionable ways.

In probing these questions, the convening provided space to dive into numerous pressing issues and opportunities in the education space, from chronic absenteeism to high dosage tutoring.

Here are some key themes that emerged:

Translating Data to Different Audiences

Keynote speaker David Troutman, deputy commissioner for academic affairs for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, said, “We as data scientists need to become chameleons with our language.” This theme was echoed throughout the convening, as speakers shared their learnings putting data into action. Whether helping parents understand the importance of daily attendance, helping community members build confidence in data privacy, or reframing impact to different audiences, communicating well is essential to moving from insight to action.

Maximizing Existing Resources and Information

Even as budgets shift and programs evolve, there are opportunities to make more of the information we already have. Discussing her work in Rhode Island, Commissioner Angélica Infante Greene shared the evolution of her state’s data use. When they began, “We had the data, but we just weren’t using it in a way that made sense for us,” she shared. Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker encountered similar barriers in Connecticut, sharing “If you get this data once a year, what do you do about it? You’ve already lost the ability to intervene.” In these states and across the country, data-oriented leaders are working to get, use, and share real-time data for action.

States Take the Reins

As the federal role in education shifts, the role of states and districts becomes ever more important. Throughout convening, leaders discussed ways to build collaboration and coalitions, to share knowledge, and to fill the important shoes of providing consistency, efficiency, and comparison across the country so that all children have an equal opportunity to learn.

The SDP Award for Strategic Data Excellence

Congratulations to the South Bend Community School Corporation, the winner of the 2025 SDP Award for Strategic Data Excellence. We are inspired by how their team transformed their use of data, leveraging dashboards to ensure compliance with special education protections of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. By reevaluating how they collected, stored, and managed data, the Exceptional Learners team was able to reduce administrative burdens on educators and administrators, leading to a 92% improvement in annual IEP compliance over a three-year period.

Learn more about their work

Let your own ‘Now What?’ guide your next conversation. Your next team retreat. Your next moment of doubt. Your next brave idea. Let it remind you: insight sparks learning. But it’s action that shapes systems. Let’s leave here as people ready to turn systems forward—not just measure backward.

Rebecca Marshall

SDP Associate Director of Programs

Highlights from the Network

"I was honestly in a tough place, questioning how much of our work really made a difference. What really energized me was the reminder that there’s still so much to do—and that through data, research, and targeted solutions, we can actually address some of the challenges we face. Hearing practical examples that directly relate to issues in our own district was especially meaningful. It gave me something concrete to bring back—whether solutions, ideas, or even just better questions to ask."

"First time at SDP and it’s truly a one-of-a-kind convening. The thoughtfulness that went into the agenda and logistics alike created a space for such dynamic conversations and connection points."

"The 2025 SDP Convening was thoughtfully organized, intellectually stimulating, and provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. The sessions were relevant and actionable, the speakers were engaging, and the overall environment was welcoming and energizing. I left with new insights, practical tools, and a stronger sense of connection to the SDP community."

"This was one of the most impactful conferences that I think I have been. As an external speaker, I was particularly impressed by the sense of community that clearly exists among Fellows and the welcoming spirit that we experienced."