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Monday, August 31
 

8:00am EDT

Breakfast & Registration
Monday August 31, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
Welcome to C17 Orientation 2025! The SDP team is incredibly excited to welcome you to Cambridge. Please join us for breakfast in Gutman Conference Center between 8 - 9 AM.

The Gutman Conference Center is located on the ground floor (Level 1) of the Gutman Library. After entering the building, please take the stairs or the elevator down one floor. 

On your way to breakfast you will pick up your name tag and some surprise swag items. A check-in and general help desk will be located near breakfast.
Monday August 31, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
  Meal

9:00am EDT

Welcome to Orientation
Monday August 31, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
SESSION DESCRIPTION

This session is designed to build a shared understanding of strategic data use across our institution. Together, we’ll explore the foundations of data strategy, gain familiarity with the SDP Rubric, and preview how we’ll work together today to highlight our current strengths and opportunities for growth.

No pre-work is required—just bring your curiosity, readiness to participate, and an open mind for learning together. 

PREWORK
None

MATERIALS
None
Monday August 31, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
  General Session

10:00am EDT

Actionable Analyses
Monday August 31, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
OVERVIEW
This session will delve into what makes data truly actionable, moving beyond compliance to analyses that catalyze meaningful change within the K-12 educational landscape. You will explore the “Actionable Analyses” pillar of the SDP Rubric through real-world examples, collaborative discussions, and focused self-reflection. Together, we’ll distinguish between surface-level metrics and transformative inquiry, learning how to probe deeply into both specific problems and broadly across new questions. By the end, you’ll inventory your own institution’s data practices, reflect on areas for growth, and learn from promising practices across the cohort.  
No pre-work is required—just bring your experience, curiosity, and a readiness to engage in reflection and dialogue. 

PRE-WORK
None

MATERIALS
A print and bound rubric will be shared with participants in person, and made available digitally following the workshop.
Monday August 31, 2026 10:00am - 11:15am EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
  General Session

11:15am EDT

Lunch
Monday August 31, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
Welcome to Orientation! All meals and breaks will be located in the Gutman Conference Center Lobby (Floor 1). An information desk will be located in the Gutman Lobby throughout the event.
Monday August 31, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
  Meal

12:30pm EDT

Quality Data Systems
Monday August 31, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will guide you through the critical role of robust data systems in advancing K-12 education. Together, we’ll examine the “Quality Data Systems” pillar of the SDP Rubric, distinguishing between insufficient data practices and systems that truly support ongoing learning and improvement. Through interactive discussions, practical frameworks such as the Data Access Ladder, and reflective activities, you’ll learn how to ensure your data is Complete, Reliable, Accurate, and Private (C.R.A.P.), while anticipating future needs and ethical considerations. By the end of the session, you will have evaluated your own system’s strengths and growth areas, and gained actionable strategies for evolving toward higher-quality, future-ready data systems.  

No pre-work is required—bring your experiences, your questions, and your appetite for building better data together. 


PRE-WORK 
None

MATERIALS
A print and bound rubric will be shared with participants in person, and made available digitally following the workshop.
Monday August 31, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
  General Session

1:45pm EDT

Break: Refuel & Refresh
Monday August 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
Take a well-deserved pause and enjoy 15 minutes of sweet treats, fresh fruit, and a coffee boost to recharge your energy and keep the day moving smoothly.

All meals and breaks will be located in the Gutman Conference Center Lobby (Floor 1). An information desk will be located in the Gutman Lobby throughout the event.
Monday August 31, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
  Snack Break

2:00pm EDT

People-First Communications
Monday August 31, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
OVERVIEW
Effective data use in education depends on clear, ethical, and audience-centered communication. In this interactive session, you will explore common pitfalls in data visualization and messaging, examine how trust and organizational culture shape the reception of data, and reflect on the ethical responsibilities of data communicators. Through real-world examples, group activities, and institutional reflection, you’ll develop strategies for translating complex analyses into actionable, trustworthy insights for diverse stakeholders.  
No pre-work is required—come ready to share experiences and strengthen your data communication skills. 


PRE-WORK 
None

MATERIALS
A print and bound rubric will be shared with participants in person, and made available digitally following the workshop.
Monday August 31, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
  General Session

3:30pm EDT

Strategic Data Leadership & Day 1 Closing
Monday August 31, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
OVERVIEW
Effective data leadership in education depends on clear vision, intentional decision-making, and a culture that values learning from evidence. In this interactive session, you will explore what strong data leadership looks like, examine common challenges leaders face in using data strategically, and reflect on how organizational structures and culture can enable or hinder progress. Through discussion and self-assessment, you’ll identify your organization’s current strengths and areas for growth in leading with data. 
No pre-work is required—come ready to share experiences and strengthen your data communication skills. 

PRE-WORK 
None

MATERIALS
A print and bound rubric will be shared with participants in person, and made available digitally following the workshop.
Monday August 31, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
  General Session

5:00pm EDT

Day 1 Survey
Monday August 31, 2026 5:00pm - 5:15pm EDT
We value your input and feedback! Please access the Day 1 Survey here. This survey should take approximately 5 - 7 minutes and asks for your input on our core sessions.

Cohort 17 Orientation (Day 1 & 2) – Fill out form
Monday August 31, 2026 5:00pm - 5:15pm EDT
  Supplemental Session

5:00pm EDT

Harvard Campus Tour (Opt-In Activity)
Monday August 31, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Gutman Library Courtyard
A tour of Harvard Yard and campus will start from outside Gutman Library at 5:00PM. A wonderful student guide will take you through campus to see historical buildings and provide a view into campus life!

This tour is open to all fellows and supervisors.

The tour will return at 6:00 PM to Gutman Library, allowing you time to refresh as needed prior to dinner at 7 PM.

Please add this session to your schedule on Sched if you would like to take a tour of Harvard's campus to help inform our tour guide(s) of expected participants.   
Monday August 31, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Gutman Library Courtyard
  Supplemental Session

7:00pm EDT

C17 Welcome Dinner
Monday August 31, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Loeb House at Harvard University
To celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 - 2027 Cohort 17 Fellowship, we invite all fellows and supervisors to join us for dinner at the Loeb House (across the street from the Faculty Club) at 17 Quincy St , a beautiful and historic building on campus.

SDP staff will meet and walk with fellows and supervisors from both Harvard Square Hotel and the Sheraton Commander at 6:40 PM to the Loeb House

Welcome drinks will kick off our evening, followed by dinner and dessert.

The Loeb House is located on campus at 17 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Monday August 31, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Loeb House at Harvard University 17 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
  Meal
 

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Monday, August 31
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GCC 4&5 - Gutman Conference Center
Grafton Street Pub & Grill
Gutman Library Courtyard
Lobby - Gutman Conference Center
Loeb House at Harvard University
Rebecca's Cafe (Main Floor of Gutman Library)
TBA
  • General Session
  • Meal
  • Snack Break
  • Supplemental Session