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At every Convening we celebrate the power of data, but this year we’re tackling the big question: Now What?

How do we transform technological breakthroughs into lasting impact? How do we innovate responsibly while staying ethical? What emerging trends will shape the future, and how do we stay ahead?

Join us as we move beyond possibilities and into the work that truly drives change.

Venue: TBA clear filter
Thursday, May 8
 

10:45am EDT

Buy Outcomes, Not Services: Transforming District Spending with Evidence-Based Procurement
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Districts often struggle to systematically connect spending decisions to student outcomes. Learn how Orange County Public Schools used outcomes based contracting (OBC) for English Learner services to tie provider payments to measurable student success and establish new practices that are transforming future procurement decisions district-wide. This session is particularly valuable for LEA and SEA leaders seeking to strengthen the connection between resource allocation and student achievement and anyone who wants to improve implementation fidelity.
Speakers
avatar for Elise Lenthe

Elise Lenthe

Program Director, Insights and Analytics, Southern Education Foundation
Elise is the Program Director, Insights and Analytics at the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting. She has 15 years of experience in education and strategic consulting. She has worked at the classroom, district, and national levels, including in Chicago Public Schools, Fulton County... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Continuity During Uncertain Times: A State and Local Data Center Approach
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
At this time, data and evidence are under threat. Education leaders are, therefore, faced with the challenge of protecting valuable data infrastructure, safegaurding student privacy, and continuing to produce rigorous evidence to inform policymaking. In this session, education data centers from Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee will convene to discuss what’s led to their success thus far and how they are thinking about their role to help maintain data continuity during incredibly uncertain times.
Speakers
LG

Leah Giannakis Goldsmith

Executive Director, Duke University
avatar for Nicole Wagner

Nicole Wagner

Associate Director, University of Michigan - Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy - Education Policy Initiative
Nicole Wagner Lam is the Associate Director for the Education Policy Initiative. In her role, she provides executive leadership and administrative management, develops collaborative state and local partnerships, and supports the overall growth of the research center. Previously, Nicole... Read More →
avatar for Laura Booker

Laura Booker

Senior Lecturer & SDP Fellowship Faculty Advisor Senior Lecturer, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Vanderbilt University
Laura teaches courses on program evaluation, evidence-based decision making, and research methods. She is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Education Research Alliance. Prior to joining the faculty in LPO, Laura worked for six years at the Tennessee Department of Education... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Stange

Kevin Stange

Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Michigan
Kevin Stange is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Michigan where he teaches graduate courses in higher education policy, economics, and quantitative methods. During the 2022-2023 academic year he was on leave serving as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary... Read More →
avatar for Holly Kosiewicz

Holly Kosiewicz

ERC Director and Researcher, University of Texas Dallas - Texas School Project
Dr. Holly Kosiewicz’s research broadly investigates the effectiveness and implementation of efforts designed to improve college access and success, particularly among traditionally underserved students. As a mixed methods researcher, she has conducted studies investigating developmental... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Empowering the Undocumented: Pathways to Success through Higher Education
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Undocumented students are among the most vulnerable groups in today’s uncertain political climate. In this session, panelists from SUNY Old Westbury, TheDream.US, and SUNY System Administration, as well as one former undocumented student who is now a successful immigration attorney, will come together to discuss the key issues surrounding support for undocumented students, emphasizing data protection and empowerment grounded in law and trust. Educators, senior leaders, philanthropies and foundations, and data strategists are encouraged to attend to lend their perspectives to the discussion.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Anker

Laura Anker

Professor, American Studies, SUNY Old Westbury
Laura Anker is a distinguished service professor of American studies and director of the First-Year Experience (FYE) and Community Action, Learning, and Leadership (CALL) Programs at SUNY Old Westbury. The CALL program partners with more than 75 organizations on Long Island and in... Read More →
avatar for Lisandra Maria Ramos

Lisandra Maria Ramos

Special Assistant to the President of Administration & Initiatives, SUNY Old Westbury
Lisandra María Ramos is the Special Assistant to the President, Administration, and Initiatives at SUNY OW. Ms. Ramos served as the Assistant Director of Administration at NYU’s Provostial Institute, the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics (Hemi), forging spaces of... Read More →
avatar for Isabel Saavedra-Sayre

Isabel Saavedra-Sayre

Immigration Attorney and Founder, Saavedra & Perez Law
As the Founding Attorney at Saavedra & Perez, I am deeply committed to guiding our clients through their legal journeys. I have 15 years of experience working in immigration firms, including 8 years as an attorney and 6 years as a legal assistant. I’ve developed a focus area working... Read More →
avatar for Hyein Lee

Hyein Lee

Chief Operating Officer, TheDream.US
Hyein Lee is driven by the power of research and evaluation to build evidence-based narratives for immigrant and higher education equity.She first learned about the necessity of rigorous data collection and management in supporting programs serving marginalized populations while working... Read More →
avatar for Ricardo Nazario y Colon

Ricardo Nazario y Colon

Immediate Past President, Appalachian Studies Association (ASA)
- Accomplished Higher Education Administrator with over twenty years of collective experience in various industries including the U.S. Military, Colleges & Universities, Corporate Banking and State Government. A high level of independence, organizational loyalty and self-discipline... Read More →
avatar for Ruirui Sun

Ruirui Sun

Associate in Metrics and Data Analytics, State University of New York System Administration
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

From Chronic Absenteeism to Student Connectedness, Safety, and Meaningful Engagement: A Deeper Look in Fulton County Schools, Georgia
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Chronic absenteeism is a growing challenge across the country, but a deeper understanding of its root causes is essential to effectively address it. This session features analysis from a research-practice partnership in Atlanta, Georgia, exploring the relationship between students’ perceptions of their schools and their attendance. Participants will also strategize on how to apply these findings to shift from chronic absenteeism to meaningful engagement in schools. District leaders and researchers are especially encouraged to attend.
Speakers
avatar for Bogyung Kim

Bogyung Kim

Economics PhD Student, Graduate Research Assistant, Georgia Policy Labs, Georgia State University
Bogyung Kim is a third-year Economics PhD student at Georgia State University, and a graduate research assistant at the Georgia Policy Labs. With experience in evidence-based policy evaluation, her research interests are in direct and spillover effects of educational policy on peer... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Swerdlow

Amanda Swerdlow

Director of Program Evaluation, Fulton County Schools
Amanda started her career as an elementary classroom teacher, which remains at the heart of her work in evaluation. She has brought "culture of evaluation" work to her district, managing both the annual evaluation agenda and research projects to improve teacher and student outcom... Read More →
avatar for Katherine Dunn

Katherine Dunn

Georgia Policy Labs, Georgia State University
Katherine Dunn is the senior director of the Georgia Policy Labs, which serves to advance evidence-based solutions that efficiently and effectively address the needs of children, students, and families. Previously, she directed Advancement Project’s Opportunity to Learn program... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Open Data, Open Doors: Transforming Student Success Through Trust-Based Data Partnerships
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
While educational institutions often hesitate to share student outcome data, transparency is crucial for improving equity. Since 2014, the University of Chicago's To&Through Project's Milestone Tool has served as a public data backbone for Chicago's efforts to improve equitable educational attainment for Chicago Public School (CPS) students. This publicly available data tool provides educators, leaders, and community members with accessible and actionable research-backed data on CPS student outcomes from middle school to college completion. In this session, participants will: 1) Explore the To&Through Milestones Tool and understand our unique approach to helping practitioners use public outcomes data. 2) Examine the advantages and limitations of public data in understanding student experiences. 3) Learn about The To&Through Project's partnership approach with school districts and colleges that enables trust and collaboration to drive positive change for students.
This session will be particularly valuable for district leaders, researchers, and data professionals interested in developing transparent data-sharing partnerships to advance educational equity. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop (if possible) in order to participate in our interactive Tool demonstration! 
Speakers
avatar for Dominique McKoy

Dominique McKoy

Executive Director, University of Chicago To&Through Project
Dominique “Dom” McKoy is the Executive Director of The University of Chicago To&Through Project, which strives to create equitable education outcomes for Chicago Public Schools students by helping educators use data for inquiry and impact. Through his work, Dom aims to ensure... Read More →
avatar for Shelby Mahaffie

Shelby Mahaffie

Research Analyst, To&Through Project
Shelby Mahaffie is a Research Analyst II at the UChicago Consortium. In this role, she conducts data analysis for the To&Through Project, which provides educators and families with data and research on improving students' college access and attainment. Prior to joining the UChicago... Read More →
avatar for Alex Usher

Alex Usher

Director of Data & Research, UChicago To&Through Project
Alexandra is the Director of Data & Research at To&Through and a Senior Research Analyst at the Consortium on School Research. Alexandra leads the research and data processes that inform To&Through's work: increasing the percentage of Chicago Public School students who graduate from... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Strengthening ECE Workforce Data for Informed Decision-Making
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
The ECE workforce is central to high-quality programs supporting young children and families, yet workforce data are often siloed and incomplete. This session offers actionable guidance to help participants define their workforce population, prioritize key data elements, and learn from state examples. Attendees will learn practical skills to enhance data systems, foster data-driven decision-making, and address workforce needs effectively. Join us to strengthen ECE systems through better workforce data collection, reporting, and usage.
Speakers
avatar for Carlise King

Carlise King

Executive Director, Child Trends
Carlise King is the executive director of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative (ECDC) and a policy scholar at Child Trends. Carlise leads efforts to improve the coordination and use of early childhood data across education, social services, and public health sectors to inform policy and strengthen early childhood systems.With over 20 years of experience, Carlise i... Read More →
avatar for Kimberlee Belcher-Badal

Kimberlee Belcher-Badal

Executive Director, The National Workforce Registry Alliance
I am the Director for the National Workforce Registry Alliance. We are the membership home for 46 state registries and their staff. Nationwide, we manage a collective 2.8 million members of the early learning community. In 2024, our total reach to workforce members in direct care... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Building a Student Data Ecosystem Across Multiple Geographies: From Ideas and Strategies to Actual Data “In the Bank”
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
This session will walk participants through the tradeoffs and wins faced by a large national organization through their collection of and implementation of a large data set of student and teacher outcomes throughout its network. What did they learn along the way and what is left to figure out? Most importantly, how can this help you in your organization or agency?
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Leake

Christopher Leake

National Senior Vice President, Teach For America
Experienced Software Engineering and Technology leader with a demonstrated history in compliance, media production, legal technology, fintech, and hardware manufacturing, specializing in agile processes, startup innovation, scaling, distributed workforce management, retention, and... Read More →
avatar for Mary Grinstead

Mary Grinstead

Senior Managing Director, Student Outcomes, Teach For America
Mary Grinstead is an accomplished education leader specializing in student outcomes, data analytics, and program evaluation. As the Senior Managing Director of Student Outcomes at Teach For America, she leads the organization's strategy for measuring student impact through data-driven... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Ensuring the Privacy of Early Childhood Data: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Case Study
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ensuring the privacy of early childhood data can present unique challenges for data systems builders, stewards, and users. Join the Data Quality Campaign and South Carolina First Steps to discuss early childhood data privacy and dive deep into the privacy journey of First Steps as it builds its integrated data system across multiple state agencies. The presenters welcome the perspectives of anyone interested in data privacy, particularly those who interact with early childhood data.
Speakers
avatar for Chelsea Richard

Chelsea Richard

Chief of Staff, South Carolina First Steps
Dr. Chelsea Richard is a highly skilled and accomplished professional with a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families. As the former Director of Research and Strategy at South Carolina First Steps and the Early Childhood Advisory Council, Chelsea transformed... Read More →
avatar for Molly Tuck

Molly Tuck

Strategic Data Fellow, SC ECAC
Molly Tuck is a current SDP fellow (Cohort 16) at the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council. In her role, she has focused on the implementation of the Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) and the development of the program's data governance infrastructure. In addition... Read More →
avatar for Charlie Rosemond

Charlie Rosemond

Advisor, Data Quality Campaign
Charlie helps lead DQC’s expansion into early childhood by building the organization’s expertise in early childhood data, systems, and policy and growing its presence in the field.Prior to joining DQC, Charlie staffed and strategized for the Illinois Longitudinal Data System and... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Strategy in Focus: Activating Your Organization's Competitive Edge
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Faced with limited resources and declining public school enrollment trends, K-12 districts are presented with a universal challenge: discovering and activating their competitive advantage. In this session, Guilford County Schools will share their systemic approach to identifying a “Hedgehog Concept”, inspired by Jim Collins’ Good to Great, to define the district’s strategic focus. In addition to exploring successes and challenges from the Guilford case study, participants will reflect on their own organizations’ competitive advantages. It is recommended that you attend this session with another colleague from your organization to collaborate with in the reflection exercises.
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Stephens

Sonya Stephens

Chief of Staff, Guilford County Schools
Sonya has been an educator for 30 years and has served Guilford County Schools for almost four years. In her role as Chief of Staff, she collaborates with the Superintendent to develop, execute, and monitor the district’s strategic direction and assists with the development, review... Read More →
avatar for Erin Philip

Erin Philip

Strategic Data Project Fellow, Guilford County Schools
Erin Philip is the Strategic Data Project Fellow at Guilford County Schools. In this role, she supports system-wide capacity building for program evaluation and progress monitoring, in addition to leading research on how to effectively support students through the middle-to-high school... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Perkins

Tiffany Perkins

Executive Director - Strategic Planning, Guilford County Schools, NC
Tiffany Perkins graduated from NC State University as a NC Teaching Fellow in 1995. She is in her 30th year in public education in NC with experience as a middle school math teacher, assistant principal, principal, state and district-level leader. Tiffany completed her National... Read More →
avatar for Marshall Matson

Marshall Matson

Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Innovation, and Choice, Guilford County Schools
Marshall Matson is the Assistant Superintendent for Schools, Innovation, and Choice for Guilford County Schools in North Carolina.  Leadership of career and technical education, school choice, and program alignment brings a district focus on postsecondary readiness for enrollment... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Using Evidence-Based Spending Strategies to Maximize the Impact of Education Investments
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
U.S. government leaders are responsible for over $2 trillion in annual spending. When leaders use evidence to spend those dollars, they increase impact, achieve better outcomes for all and advance economic mobility. Using high-impact tutoring as an example, this session will help state and local education leaders gain a deeper understanding of Results for America’s (RFA) six strategies for evidence-based spending, including defining and prioritizing evidence and addressing local needs through grantmaking and procurement.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Kerr

Sara Kerr

Vice President, Education Policy Implementation, Results for America
Sara Kerr is the Vice President of Education Policy Implementation for Results for America. Sara previously served as a Senior Advisor on Leadership and Systems Improvement at Education Northwest, and before that, was a Senior Engagement Manager with the nonprofit U.S. Education Delivery... Read More →
avatar for Heather Boughton

Heather Boughton

Director, Education Policy Implementation, Results for America
Heather Boughton, Ph.D. is the Director of Education Policy Implementation for Results for America (RFA). In this role, Heather leads RFA’s State Education Fellowship, a unique network that brings together state education research, program and grant leaders to accelerate their... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Gaskins

Sharon Gaskins

Founder & Principal Consultant, Aligned Education Solutions
Sharon is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of experience supporting school systems and communities by leading transformation efforts in school districts, local and state governments, and nonprofit organizations. She has served as an organization leader and a trusted... Read More →
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Using Pulse Survey Data to Improve College Outcomes for Underserved Students
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Research suggests that underserved populations often face more obstacles to enrolling and persisting in college. Hope Chicago, a nonprofit organization providing debt-free education and wrap-around services to underserved college students in Chicago, used pulse survey data to identify and address student concerns and obstacles in real time. Come learn about how pulse survey data can transform your students’ experiences and help reach your organization’s goals.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Lane Conklin

Megan Lane Conklin

Director, Data Systems, Hope Chicago
Experienced educational researcher with a demonstrated history of analyzing issues of equity and evaluating the effectiveness of education policy. Skilled in quantitative methods, school choice, educational psychology, predictive model building, and geocoding. Strong interdisciplinary... Read More →
avatar for Marissa A. Combs

Marissa A. Combs

PhD Student, Harvard University
Marissa A. Combs is a PhD student in Sociology, a PIER Fellow at the Center for Education Policy Research, and a Presidential Scholar in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Thursday May 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

8:30pm EDT

Happy Hour Networking
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Connect with SDP colleagues, old and new, in a relaxed environment to engage with fellow data leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators who are passionate about shaping the future of education. Expand your professional network, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations while enjoying a casual atmosphere in the local Back Bay area of Boston.
Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
TBA
 
Friday, May 9
 

10:45am EDT

An Urban District’s Effort to Combat Enrollment Decline
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Following the national trend, South Bend Community School Corporation has seen a steady enrollment decline over the years. This decline has been disruptive to students and families and put tremendous pressures on school and district operations. Using real examples, this session presents challenges faced by an urban school district due to enrollment decline, shares its efforts to combat the decline, and invites attendees to tackle the problem collectively through a critical examination of our efforts and assumptions.
Speakers
avatar for Bo Yan

Bo Yan

South Bend Community School Corporation
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Mitigating Bias When Using Accountability Data
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
The culturally responsive use of student achievement data demands that we use data in ways that disrupt educational inequities rather than reinscribe them. We examine how disaggregated achievement data can, consciously or unconsciously, trigger bias and reinforce dominant narratives about racial subgroups. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore specific data practices that can advance equity and help ensure that educators and policymakers do not become complicit in the very inequities they hope to overcome.
Speakers
avatar for Monique Cottman

Monique Cottman

4th Grade Teacher, ICCSD
avatar for Circe Stumbo

Circe Stumbo

President, West Wind Education Policy Inc.
Circe Stumbo is president of West Wind Education Policy Inc. (West Wind), which she founded in January 2001. West Wind works across the country to build the capacity of leaders to imagine and enact public K-12 education systems that engage each and every child in learning.Under Circe’s... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Partnering with Principals for Dashboard Design
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Traditional visualization approaches often fail because data scientists lack understanding of practitioner tasks, and educators lack data expertise, leading to poor tool adoption. So how can data systems be worth the investment if, despite their alleged importance, current research indicates that usage is infrequent and doesn’t help students? Hear about an example in one school district where data scientists and practitioners came together and made some progress.
Speakers
avatar for Alden Burnham

Alden Burnham

Director of Educational Data Strategy, Norwalk Public Schools
I am interested in the intersection of data use, data visualization, and people who work with children. My recent work has focused on collaborative discussions between data scientists and K-12 educators, and how collective design enhances data usage within school districts. 
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Scaling Tools for Success in California: Applying User-Centered Design Principles for System-Wide Adoption
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Learn how DataVista, a cutting-edge data platform for the California Community Colleges, modernizes data systems and data use through User-Centered Design (UCD). This session will incorporate perspectives from state agencies and non–profit research organizations, sharing adaptable strategies and must-haves from our redesign process to enhance accessibility and actionable insights. Ideal for teams at any capacity, we’ll include discussions, polls, and activities to explore how UCD principles can be applied to unique contexts, empowering participants to drive meaningful data system improvements.

Prework: Please think about how big your team is for collecting, processing, and visualizing data. Consider the different experience and expertise of people on your team.
Speakers
avatar for Izzy Rubin

Izzy Rubin

Tableau Developer, WestEd
Izzy Rubin is a Tableau UI/UX Solutions and Engagement Lead at WestEd under the Economic Mobility, Postsecondary, and Workforce Systems content area. In this role, Izzy works with clients and design teams to design dashboards, data and research tools, query tools and other online... Read More →
avatar for Adriel Garcia

Adriel Garcia

Adriel Garcia is a program associate at WestEd. His work focuses on intersegmental educational and workforce data across the California Community College system. He's also involved in nationwide efforts to examine how states leverage labor market information to provide informed methods... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Staying the Course: Collection Continuity During Transitions
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
This session explores maintaining data collection continuity during transitions, emphasizing the importance of robust data governance frameworks. We will discuss how states with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems grants manage data amidst regulatory changes, focusing on the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). Attendees will review CRDC requirements, consider impacts of modifications, and engage in planning for future changes. The session includes discussions, state examples, and strategies for organizations without governance structures.
Speakers
avatar for Carla Howe Ruffo

Carla Howe Ruffo

Director, AEM Corporation
avatar for Gabrielle Tapscott

Gabrielle Tapscott

Executive Director, AEM Corporation
Gabrielle Tapscott oversees business and IT operations for large scale systems, websites, and databases for the U.S Department of Education.  She manages project resourcing, costs, schedules, performance and client communications. Has over 25 years of experience leading business... Read More →
avatar for Monica Young

Monica Young

Executive Director, AEM Corporation
Monica Young is responsible for the successful management and delivery of complex technical assistance and data management projects for AEM’s Civilian and Commercial Services division. 15+ years of experience managing, implementing, and evaluating technical assistance, research... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Supporting Students in their Earliest Years: Innovations at the State and Local Levels
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Despite increases in state and local efforts to provide high-quality early care and education (ECE), low attendance, limited access, and lack of workforce supports are persistent barriers. We will hear about three papers that present innovative tools and analytic methods to address critical issues in ECE, including (1) reducing chronic absenteeism, (2) expanding access to public pre-K without disrupting the local ECE market, and (3) building state data and research capacity to support early educators.
Speakers
avatar for Kathryn Gonzalez

Kathryn Gonzalez

Researcher, Mathematica
Kathryn Gonzalez is a researcher at Mathematica. Her work focuses on early childhood programs and policies including those intended to improve program quality, increase access particularly for young children from families with low-incomes, and support the early childhood workforc... Read More →
avatar for Pia Caronongan

Pia Caronongan

Research Associate Professor, Boston University Wheelock Educational Policy Center
Pia Caronongan is a research associate professor at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and a faculty affiliate at the Wheelock Educational Policy Center (WEPC). Her work focuses on developing research-based and data-informed policy strategies to support and improve early care and education (ECE) access and quality. She currently leads a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care focused on building research... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Wu

Tiffany Wu

PhD Candidate, University of Michigan
Tiffany is currently a PhD candidate in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology (CPEP) at the University of Michigan and pursuing a dual master’s degree in Statistics. She is interested in using causal inference and machine learning methods to help inform the development of effective education interventions and policies. Her research is deeply influenced by her previous work as a public high school teacher in Chicago and then as a research anal... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

10:45am EDT

Zero to AI: A Bridge from Traditional Analysis to Machine Learning
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
This session is for any data analyst who wants to build a foundation for machine learning and AI using what they already know with traditional analytic methods. It provides a broad overview and motivating examples across different tasks including analyzing responses to open-ended survey questions, predicting which of two or more groups individuals will belong to in the future, and forecasting future metrics plus next word prediction just like fancy generative AI models. Importantly, the information will be presented in a way to build a bridge between traditional analytic methods and artificial intelligence: spelling out what is common and what is unique, “translating” AI jargon, and pointing out where AI methods are similar to other tried-and-true methods familiar to data analysts. For the areas covered, the session will show how the methods have evolved to reach their current state, what AI is doing behind the scenes with the data, and how these methods can be useful when working with educational data. The session will end with worked examples featuring simple code in Python, but no prior experience in Python is needed. Although the session covers a lot of ground, attendees can work at their own pace thanks to instructions, code examples, and other resources that they can return to after convening. Facilitators are data scientists with a combined 15 years of industry experience working with real world data—primarily K-12 educational data—who want to prove that if you have written code in any language to analyze quantitative data before, you are well situated to apply methods used in machine learning and AI.  This is the session for data analysts who have wanted to try their hand at using AI in their work but would like guidance in determining how, where, or when to start.
Speakers
avatar for Tara Chiatovich

Tara Chiatovich

Tara Chiatovich has worked as a research and data scientist in industry for over half a decade where her projects have spanned getting AI into products, extracting insights from national education datasets, leading webinars, and using psychometrics in survey development and scoring... Read More →
avatar for John Hosmer

John Hosmer

Senior Data Scientist, Panorama Education
I've been lucky enough to find myself working in data jobs for over a decade and have worked in multiple different industries with varying missions. This has provided me with the opportunity to compare and contrast what works for different data groups and distill down the few key... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

3 Subtle Things About Absenteeism (and what they suggest)
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Chronic absenteeism undermines academic success and equity. This session highlights three underappreciated findings that have implications for student success and equity: (1) every absence impacts performance, especially early ones; (2) interventions targeting students with fewer absences (<10%) may yield higher returns, as they constitute most absences; (3) effective interventions are crucial year-round, not just in September, due to increasing absences over time. Data from a custom survey and 1.5 million students underpins these actionable insights.
Speakers
avatar for Todd Rogers

Todd Rogers

Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Some factoids:Professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School of Government Work on increasing student attendance and improving family engagementCoauthor of Writing for Busy Readers, with Jessica Lasky-FinkFrom Philly area, loyal fan of World Champion EaglesCofounder Analys... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Centering Student Voice in Data-Driven School Climate Improvement
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
This session explores how schools and districts can elevate student voices in their use of school climate data to inform policies and practices. Researchers will share lessons from a California case study of three middle schools that employ innovative approaches to engaging with school climate data. Practitioners from one of the case study sites will then detail strategies for integrating student perception data and actively involving students in school and district decision-making processes.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Contreras

Heather Contreras

School Site Administrator- Principal, Los Osos Middle School
Heather Contreras has dedicated over 20 years to education, fueled by her passion for supporting and empowering youth. She began her career as a substitute teacher before spending a decade as a high school English teacher and leadership advisor. For the past 10 years, she has served... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Leung-Gagné

Melanie Leung-Gagné

Researcher, Learning Policy Institute
Melanie Leung-Gagné is a Researcher at the Learning Policy Institute. She is a quantitative researcher focused on school discipline and the educator workforce. Her analyses combine complex survey data sets to identify high-leverage opportunities for federal and state policy interventions... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Klevan

Sarah Klevan

Senior Researcher, Learning Policy Institute
I am a dynamic and empathetic leader dedicated to advancing social change through equity-centered, impact-driven research. I partner with diverse stakeholders to develop research strategies that blend advanced statistical modeling with qualitative insights. I am skilled at guiding... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer de Forest

Jennifer de Forest

Director of Research and Learning, YouthTruth
Dr. Jennifer de Forest, Ed.D. has a lifelong passion for the art and science of school improvement.Prior to joining YouthTruth, Jen spent nearly a decade in the classroom. She has led schools in California and New York City, and from the perch of a state association, she worked with... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Digital Advances in Measuring What Young Learners Know and Can Do
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Recent advancements in technology mean there are more early learning assessment tools than ever before, but it can be challenging to know how to select measures that will produce useful, reliable insights into the abilities of all children. This interactive session will critically examine recent innovations in early learning assessment, equipping participants with a lens to reflect on their own practices. Anyone interested in measuring the skills of young children is welcome to attend.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Hanno

Emily Hanno

Senior Research Associate, MDRC
Emily is a Senior Research Associate at MDRC, a nonprofit committed to using rigorous research methods to advance social policies that improve lives from cradle to career. With expertise in early childhood education and applied quantitative methods, Emily currently leads the Measures... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Huang

Sharon Huang

Senior Associate, mdrc- Building Knowledge to Improve Social Policy
Sharon Huang is an expert in early childhood education whose work is dedicated to improving programs and services for educators, families, and children. With more than 20 years of experience, Huang has partnered with early childhood providers, state and local leaders, and policymakers... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Enhancing Student Persistence: Innovative Coaching Strategies and Evaluation for the LA College Promise Program
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
In this session, we will delve into how the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) identified second-year persistence as a challenge for LA College Promise students through extensive data analysis. We will discuss the development of a new enhanced coaching initiative aimed at addressing this issue, which will be piloted with first-year students and evaluated in partnership with CEPR researchers. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the importance of implementation assessment, with practical applications for educators, research-practice partnerships, and effective program evaluation.
Speakers
avatar for Elise Swanson

Elise Swanson

Associate Director of Research, Strategic Data Project
Elise Swanson is the Associate Director of Research at CEPR, where she directs the  mixed methods Leveraging Technology and Engaging Students (LTES) project, which is a collaboration between CEPR, the Los Angeles Community College District, and the University of Southern California... Read More →
avatar for Joanna Zimring-Towne

Joanna Zimring-Towne

Faculty Coordinator, LA College Promise, Los Angeles Community College District
Joanna Zimring Towne is the Faculty Coordinator for the LA College Promise.  She has served in a variety of campus and district leadership roles in the Los Angeles Community College District for the past sixteen years and has extensive experience in program development and management... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

How Should we Measure, Diagnose, and Improve College Advising Capacity in our Schools?
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
This session will explore the question: How can we strengthen college advising capacity in our schools? Drawing on two large-scale surveys administered to district and school leaders, school counselors, and college advisors in Texas and state administrative data, the session will present new evidence regarding ways to measure the advising capacities of educators, schools, and districts and how enabling conditions of effective advising systems relate to educator outcomes such as wellbeing, burnout, and retention intentions.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Giani

Matt Giani

Director of Research and Data Science, OnRamps
I oversee the research and evaluation efforts for OnRamps and our office's sister initiative Texas OnCourse. My job is to build the evidence base examining whether and how OnRamps prepares students to access and succeed in higher education.
avatar for Kait Ogden

Kait Ogden

Education Policy Researcher & Postdoctoral Scholar, The University of Texas at Austin - College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Ogden is a postdoctoral research fellow studying postsecondary pathways and opportunities, with a focus on how stratification is produced and maintained across educational systems. They hold a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy and bring seven years of experience as a transformational... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

Leveraging Machine-Learning Automated Feedback in Instructional Coaching
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Instructional coaching is an impactful form of teacher professional learning, with evidence that it improves both teaching and learning. However, coaching is labor-intensive, limiting the number of teachers a coach can serve. In this session, participants will learn about advancements in automated feedback that can increase the efficiency and reach of coaching. Participants will decompose a demonstration of teacher coaching that incorporates automated feedback and hear from district partners involved in the research-to-practice partnership.
Speakers
avatar for Samantha Booth

Samantha Booth

Director, Mathematics Teaching and Teacher Learning Program, CEPR
Samantha Booth is responsible for managing the HEAR-MI Coaching project and overseeing the MQI Coaching program. Her work focuses on supporting teachers and instructional coaches to improve the quality of math instruction and develop more equitable instructional practices.Prior to... Read More →
avatar for Jimmy Leak

Jimmy Leak

Director Accountability, Research, and Evaluation, Guilford County Schools
Jimmy Leak is the Director of Accountability, Research, and Evaluation at Guilford County Schools. Jimmy helps manage research-practice partnerships for Guilford County Schools. He also serves as data and evaluation lead on several grant-funded projects with focuses on tutoring, middle... Read More →
avatar for Heather Hill

Heather Hill

Principal Investigator, MQI Coaching PIER FELLOWSHIP FACULTY MENTOR Hazen-Nicoli Professorship in Teacher Learning and Practice, Harvard University
Heather Hill studies policies and programs designed to improve teacher and teaching quality. Her recent research focuses on teacher professional development; instructional coaching; teacher evaluation; changes over time in teachers’ mathematical knowledge and instructional quality... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

Crafting a Data Equity Statement: Transforming Values into Action
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Many organizations struggle to align their data practices with their equity values. This session explores EdVestors’ journey to create a Data Equity Statement and provides tools for embedding equity principles into data collection, use, interpretation, and reporting. Participants will draft an Equity Statement and leave with strategies to operationalize data equity. Designed for non-profit leaders, evaluators, and program staff, this session is ideal for those seeking to promote fairness and community empowerment through data practices.
Speakers
avatar for Ruth Mercado-Zizzo

Ruth Mercado-Zizzo

Vice President, Programs & Equity, EdVestors
Ruth C. Mercado-Zizzo is the Vice President of Programs and Equity at EdVestors in Boston. In this role, she facilitates ensuring overall internal and organizational programmatic efforts incorporate an explicit and specific focus on advancing racial equity, including building an inclusive... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Poulos

Jennifer Poulos

Vice President, Programs, Strategy and Impact, EdVestors
Jennifer brings over twenty years of experience working at the intersection of education programs, policy, and research in the government, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. Most recently, Jennifer was a Senior Associate in the education practice at Abt Global, managing projects... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

Data is for Everyone: Strategies for Cultivating Collaborative Data Culture
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
From privacy and transparency to reporting and storytelling, data efforts in the education system are often siloed across departments, organizations, and roles. A key component of data capacity is cultivating ‘data is for everyone’ organizational culture. In this session, we will highlight strategies for building a strong, sustainable data culture that centers collaboration to advance shared missions and goals. The session will provide worksheets and additional resources that attendees can utilize in their future work.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Ferris

Dan Ferris

Assistant Professor of Pratice, Washington University in St. Louis & Saint Louis University
Throughout his career, Dan Ferris has led and learned from a variety of initiatives in settings ranging from offices of government affairs, community public health organizations, and research institutes. At the Brown School, Ferris applies his experience working with government, community... Read More →
avatar for Jenrose Fitzgerald

Jenrose Fitzgerald

Program Manager, Social Policy Institute
Jenrose Fitzgerald is a program manager for the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis. She manages Data for Social Impact, an initiative that builds connection and capacity among social sector organizations to cultivate equitable, community-centered data... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

Expanding Early Post-Secondary Opportunities: Practices for Enhanced Awareness, Access, and Support
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Many districts struggle to increase college and career readiness rates through expanded access to advanced coursework. In this session, Hamilton County Schools will share their data-driven approach that has led to significant yearly improvements in Ready Graduate rates, featuring their systematic strategy and monthly improvement cycles. District leaders, principals, and data professionals will benefit from reviewing implementation resources and providing feedback on current initiatives.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Hanauer

Kimberly Hanauer

Founder & CEO, UnlockED
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UnlockED, Kimberly Hanauer works with a broad set of districts and organizations to support leaders in taking a data-driven approach to college preparation, application, enrollment, and completion. She focuses on empowering client partners... Read More →
avatar for Jeannette Tippett

Jeannette Tippett

Early Postsecondary Opportunities District Lead, Hamilton County Schools
Dr. Jeannette Easley Tippett serves as the District Lead for Early Postsecondary Opportunities in Hamilton County Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education from Mississippi College. Later, she obtained her Master of Science in Education... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

From AI Data to Decisions: Dashboards to Optimize Hybrid Advising Strategies
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Many advising programs struggle to effectively integrate data and AI tools to enhance student outcomes. In this session, attendees will explore Bottom Line’s Bluprint program, a hybrid human-AI advising model, and learn how dashboards using AI tool data can inform decision-making and improve advising strategies. Postsecondary educators, data analysts, and program managers are encouraged to attend to gain insights into using data-driven approaches to improve student retention, engagement, and success.

Pre-read: 

Hybrid Advising Playbook; pages: 8, 20, 24-26

Speakers
avatar for Brandi Holten

Brandi Holten

Managing Director of Product, Bottom Line
I am the Managing Director of Product at Bottom Line, a nonprofit organization that supports first-generation students get into college, graduate, and go far in life. In this role, I lead product strategy, development, and implementation efforts to create customer-driven, user-friendly... Read More →
avatar for Shasche Allen

Shasche Allen

Program Evaluation Manager, Bottom Line
Hello! I am the Program Evaluation Manager on the Impact Team at Bottom Line, a non-profit organization that fosters strong connections with first-generation students. We provide the support they need to access college affordably, persist in their studies, and graduate ready for their... Read More →
avatar for Devaughn Fowlkes

Devaughn Fowlkes

Director of Program Innovation, Bottom Line
A trusted partner in strategic planning, organizational execution, values-based leadership, and innovation. A cross-sector leader focused on building sustainable organizations and learning environments. End goal is revitalizing communities through economic development and educati... Read More →
avatar for Marie Yue

Marie Yue

Senior Director of Analytics and Reporting, Bottom Line
Hi! I’m Marie, and I drive impact through data analysis and relationship-based consulting. I thrive finding problems to solve to guide strategy and to improve equitable outcomes.As Director of Analytics & Reporting at Bottom Line, I intertwine my passions for educational equity... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

Interactive Accountability Report: Putting Actionable Information in Leaders’ Hands
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Orange County Public Schools (Florida) provides school and district leaders with large amounts of disconnected, flat data to sort and interpret. To help reduce the burden and connect key information about student progress within the state’s accountability framework, members of the Research, Measurement and Strategy office developed a data repository and interactive Power BI reports. Engage with a district data team who transitioned from a static Excel report to a district dashboard in about six weeks.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Paul

Michelle Paul

Director, Accountability, Orange County Public Schools
avatar for Benjamin Allen

Benjamin Allen

Senior Director; Research, Measurement and Strategy, Orange County Public Schools
Benjamin Allen is currently Senior Director in the Research, Measurement and Strategy office at Orange County Public Schools. In this role, he supports four departments: Accountability, Assessment, Research, and Strategic Improvement.Prior to joining OCPS, he worked in various roles... Read More →
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

We Spent Millions on High Dosage Tutoring—Now What? A Toolkit for Studying Implementation and Efficacy of HDT
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
In the wake of a $190 billion budget shortfall due to ESSER expiration, evaluating the impact and sustainability of school programming is a critical challenge. This session features speakers from five states who have collaborated to create adaptable, scalable solutions for assessing tutoring outcomes, ensuring vendor accountability, and optimizing resources. Researchers and policymakers focused on educational equity are encouraged to attend to learn about these generalizable, locale-specific strategies for sustaining and expanding critical programs.
Speakers
avatar for Spencer Ellis
avatar for Nicole Carmichael

Nicole Carmichael

Data and Program Analyst, Office of John C. Carney, Governor of the State of Delaware
A policy professional and data strategist with an abundance mindset and a drive to initiate evidence-driven and equitable social change. Optimistic, innovative, analytical, and empathetic. Nicole recently transitioned from the Delaware Office of Governor John Carney to the DE Dept... Read More →
avatar for Sherine Tambyraja

Sherine Tambyraja

Senior Research Strategist, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
avatar for Jason Godfrey

Jason Godfrey

Director of Data Science, Accelerate
Friday May 9, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
 
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