SDP Annual Convening 2024 - Request for Proposals
We are excited to accept session proposals for SDP Convening 2024 this April 29–May 1, in Boston, MA. This year’s convening theme is “Just Numbers.” In a world increasingly driven by data, our theme has multiple meanings that challenges and invites deeper exploration. On one hand, 'Just Numbers' suggests a focus on the sheer power of data – numbers in their purest, unadulterated form, driving decisions and policies. Yet, there's more beneath the surface. 'Just Numbers' also speaks to the ethical dimensions of data use – how can numbers be harnessed not merely as cold, hard facts but as tools for fairness, equity, and justice in education?
Our conversations this year will center around this dual interpretation. We will explore the robust role that data plays in shaping educational landscapes, both in terms of quantifiable outcomes and in the pursuit of equitable and just practices. What are the ethical considerations in data use? How do we ensure that our reliance on numbers doesn’t overshadow the human element in education? How can data be used not just responsibly, but also compassionately and justly?
We encourage sessions that engage with these facets of 'Just Numbers.' From the technicalities of data collection and analysis to the philosophical debates about their impact, we seek a comprehensive exploration of how numbers are shaping, and reshaped by, our views on education. Whether your expertise lies in statistical methodologies, data ethics, educational policies, or grassroots movements, your insights are valuable in stitching together the larger narrative of 'Just Numbers.'
We are open to all session proposals about the use of data in your work, but we are especially interested in sessions that might touch several themes:
- • Bridging the Divide. We invite presenters to share how data and measurement play a pivotal role in providing clarity and direction in our collective journey towards justice. We welcome sessions that emphasize the importance of data in understanding and advancing justice missions, uniting diverse perspectives and strategies for a common cause.
- • New Tools and Tactics. In the ever-evolving landscape of technical tools and data sources, we encourage sessions that delve into the numbers behind our work. We welcome sessions that highlight new types of data and innovative methods to repurpose existing numbers. Presentations should focus on enhancing skills, tools, and techniques, making us more adept data leaders capable of navigating the nuances of numerical data in our fields.
- • Centering Human Lives. We seek sessions showcasing how data is used collaboratively with key stakeholders (students, families, educators, community leaders) to effect real change. We welcome sessions that emphasize how numbers serve not only as metrics but as catalysts for positive, human-centered outcomes. How are you involving key stakeholders in designing data projects and using evidence for good?
- • Celebrating Victories. As always, SDP wants to hear about the impactful work happening across the country. Share your work and the hard-won impacts you’ve made with the broader network. What innovations, driven by insightful data, are essential to replicate and sustain?
These are just a few themes, but we are open to proposals across the full P20W spectrum from birth to entry into the workforce, especially those that address early childhood and postsecondary education. We prefer sessions that address equity and represent diverse perspectives. We are looking forward to creating a space for respectful disagreement and difficult conversations at this year’s convening, to make us all better.
If you have lessons that you would like to share with the SDP Convening network, please submit your proposal here, by Friday, January 19, 2024.
Submitting your Proposal
Choose a focus area for your proposal. Sessions will be 90 minutes.
Ideally, your submission should fit into one of our four focus areas, however we are open to others:
- • Bridging the Divide
- • New Tools and Tactics
- • Centering Human Lives
- • Celebrating Victories
We are only accepting proposals for sessions that will be delivered on-site in our Boston, MA conference. SDP will not be able to accept sessions that have more than 4 speakers.
Consider your audience
Convening attendees represent diverse organizations and roles across the education sector. Who are you designing your session for? What types of background, technical expertise, or sphere of influence will you assume your audience has?
In your session proposal you will describe the types of audience members that will find your session most relevant. Organizers will use this information to ensure that the agenda has something for everyone. Examples of agency types and individuals to consider are:
Agencies:
- • Districts, charters, other local education agencies, including in early education
- • State education agencies
- • Institutions of higher education
- • Nonprofit organizations
- • Philanthropies and Foundations
- • Service Providers
Individuals:
- • Data analysts or independent researchers
- • Managers of data or technology teams
- • Senior Leaders (including cabinet-level leaders and executive directors)
How we choose sessions
All submissions are reviewed by SDP staff and SDP Alumni Advisory Board members. We review submissions based on the quality of title and description, how well they fit with our 2024 theme of “Just Numbers”, their relevance to our various audiences, and most importantly, for diversity, equity and inclusion. We are looking to create a coherent agenda that speaks to the focus areas identified above, and that will offer valuable lessons and new insights and innovations for the SDP network.
When ready, complete this form to submit your session proposal. All submissions are due by 11:59pm EST on Friday, January 19, 2024.
The SDP 2024 Annual Convening will be held Monday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 1.
Benefits
Selected speakers will receive a $500 honorarium with our gratitude and are eligible to request a stay at the conference hotel with our discount rate ($319/night plus taxes and fees). Selected speakers will also be able to attend the full conference free of charge. Honorarium payments will be disbursed after the event, and speakers will have to pay for their own travel to Boston, MA.
What happens after you submit
- • The session proposal submission deadline is 11:59pm EST on Friday, January 19, 2024.
- • We aim to let you know if your submission has been chosen by Thursday, February 1, 2024.
A diverse, equitable, and inclusive convening
At our SDP Convening, we strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive attendee experience that meets our vision and values.
Please note that we may not accept submissions, especially for teams of presenters where all the participants are homogeneous, and we strongly encourage you to include a wide range of perspectives in your proposals.
If our committee finds that your submission topic is relevant to our attendees, but doesn’t meet our diversity, equity and inclusion goals, we will contact you to make sure the session is representative.