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What happens when you bring together educators, researchers, and advocates passionate about data science education? You get an explosion of ideas, dynamic discussions, and—of course—data collection! The first-ever Data Science Education K-12 Research to Practice Conference held from February 17-19, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas was a vibrant and inspiring gathering of over 265 attendees from (literally) all around the world.
Spanning 55 engaging sessions, the conference explored a wide range of topics from building data-rich lessons for elementary students to gamifying escape rooms. Over three action-packed days, participants delved into cutting-edge curriculum strategies, hands-on workshops, and discussions designed to make data science both accessible and meaningful for students of all ages and backgrounds.
Between sessions, attendees even embraced their passion for data by collecting real-time insights on everything from favorite activities to caffeine consumption to the daunting number of unread emails in their inboxes—proving that data is truly everywhere (and this community loves analyzing it!).
Setting the Stage: Opening Remarks and Early Sessions
The conference opened with Zarek Drozda, Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone setting an energizing tone for the whole event. In his remarks, Zarek underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and network-building in the data science education community, emphasizing that each attendee played a vital role in shaping the future of data literacy in K-12 classrooms.
With enthusiasm high, the conference launched into a full day of hands-on learning and collaboration. Educators and policymakers engaged in deep discussions on how data science could be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula. Thought-provoking panels brought forth innovative instructional strategies, while hands-on workshops provided practical insights into incorporating data literacy across subjects and grade bands.
One particularly compelling session, "National Perspectives on Supporting Data Science in K-12," brought together education leaders from California, Virginia, and North Carolina to discuss how they are building robust data science programs in their respective states. Panelists discussed the modernization of math education and the growing push for data science inclusion at both the state and district levels. These discussions reinforced that the demand for data literacy is growing across all grade levels, and many attendees left with concrete strategies for making data science education more accessible to students nationwide.
Throughout the day, smaller breakout discussions allowed participants to share their personal experiences, challenges, and success stories. These conversations highlighted the real-world implications of data literacy, from professional development for teachers to building effective interdisciplinary lessons.
A Night to Remember: The Boeing Museum Experience
After an inspiring day of sessions, attendees gathered at the Boeing Museum of Science and Technology for an evening of connection and exploration. As they enjoyed a delicious buffet, conversations flowed freely, sparking new collaborations and strengthening professional networks.
The evening wasn’t just about networking—it was also about having some fun in the world of science and technology! Some attendees tested their piloting skills in flight simulators, while others explored intricate exhibits like the sprawling Lego city. The highlight of the night came when a DJ coding music in real time took the stage, reinforcing that data science education is as much about creativity and curiosity as it is about numbers and equations (and the fact that many in our community know how to bust a move).
Shaping the Future: Dr. Talitha Washington’s Keynote on Data Science Education
Day two began with a powerful keynote address from Dr. Talitha Washington, Executive Director of the Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics and the Sean McCleese Endowed Chair in Computer Science, Race, and Social Justice at Howard University. With humor, real-world applications, and compelling storytelling, Dr. Washington delivered a clear message: Data literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential for student success.
Dr. Washington challenged educators to rethink traditional math instruction and embrace data science as a tool that transcends disciplines. Using personal finance, public health, and social justice as examples, she demonstrated the real-world impact of data literacy, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with actionable strategies for their classrooms.
Dr. Washington also emphasized the importance of inclusion in data science education, calling on educators to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality learning opportunities. Her call to action resonated deeply, sparking meaningful discussions that continued throughout the rest of the conference.
Engaging Workshops and Hands-On Learning
The sessions that followed the keynote reinforced the conference’s mission of making data literacy both engaging and accessible. Attendees participated in hands-on experiences with coding tools, explored creative ways to integrate data into humanities and social sciences, and grappled with ethical considerations in data science.
Some workshops showcased how data science can be leveraged for artistic expression, with one session guiding participants in using regression models and servo motors to create robotic art. Another encouraged educators to make environmental data more tangible, helping students turn real-world climate datasets into visual storytelling pieces. In discussions about data ethics and bias, teachers examined strategies for helping students critically evaluate information, question biases, and make informed decisions based on reliable data.
These sessions weren’t just about acquiring knowledge—they were about equipping educators with the confidence and resources to bring data science into their own classrooms in ways that resonate with students from all backgrounds.
Student Voices Take Center Stage
One of the most moving moments of the conference came when students themselves took the stage. The panel "Graduates of San Antonio Title I Schools: Our Views on Teaching About Data" featured students from San Antonio who shared how data literacy shaped their education and career aspirations.
Their stories illustrated why access to data science education is more than just a policy issue—it’s about empowerment. As panelist Kaylin Hernandez reflected, "When Mr. Youngsaver asked us to draw a statistician, I drew a man who looked like Albert Einstein. Now, that person looks like me."
This session left many in the audience visibly moved, reinforcing that data literacy isn’t just about skills—it’s about giving students the tools to navigate their futures with confidence and agency.
The Grand Finale: Unveiling the K-12 Learning Progressions
As the conference neared its close, anticipation buzzed through the room for the unveiling of the Data Science K-12 Learning Progressions—a long-awaited framework designed to provide a structured roadmap for integrating data literacy from elementary through high school. This milestone marks a significant step toward ensuring that data science is not just an add-on, but a core component of K-12 education. The framework is currently under review by a select group of educators, researchers, and state leaders, with the final version slated for public release this summer.
Leading the presentation, Zarek and Kate Miller, Research Associate from the Concord Consortium, took the stage to walk attendees through the draft framework. Both were deeply involved in shaping the learning progressions, working closely with educators, researchers, and industry professionals to craft a developmentally appropriate sequence of data science concepts.
They were soon joined onstage by a panel of focus group participants—educators and education leaders who had contributed to the drafting process during an intensive convening at the University of Chicago last June. With humor and insight, panelists shared behind-the-scenes stories of how the progressions took shape, including the long hours (and strong coffee) that fueled their collaborative work. Their reflections highlighted the depth of thought and dedication poured into making this framework both practical and scalable.
Following the presentation, attendees were invited to provide feedback on the draft progressions, ensuring that the final version reflects the diverse needs of classrooms nationwide. The energy in the room was palpable—many left this session eager to help refine and implement this transformative initiative in their own schools and districts.
The excitement surrounding the Learning Progressions reinforced a key takeaway from the conference: educators, policymakers, and industry leaders are united in their belief that data literacy must be a fundamental part of K-12 education. With momentum building, this framework has the potential to set the foundation for a future where all students graduate with the data fluency needed to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.
A Conference That Sparked Action and Community Impact
The energy from the conference lingered long after the final session. Attendees left San Antonio with new ideas, expanded professional networks, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether they were classroom teachers, district leaders, or researchers, everyone walked away with concrete strategies to bring data science to students in engaging and meaningful ways.
Some sessions didn’t just inspire action—they made an immediate impact on the local San Antonio community. One of the standout moments was the first-ever DSE-K12 Youth Data Challenge, led by Jocelyn Foran, Science Consultant from Tuva. This exciting initiative brought together students and teachers from Harlandale ISD, along with volunteers from The University of Texas at San Antonio, to dive into real-world data investigations.
Together, middle school students worked in teams competing against one another to analyze and model data to propose solutions to real-world problems. This year’s challenge focused on the question: What adjustments should Harlandale Independent School District make to its existing maker spaces and programming, and how can they best utilize the remaining open areas to serve their community's needs? After analyzing data and crafting solutions, teams presented their findings to a panel of judges, demonstrating not only their technical skills but also their ability to use data to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.
At the end of the session, the high school and college students and teachers who volunteered to assist the middle school students in the challenge came up to share how the experience had impacted them. They highlighted the enthusiasm of the students, their growing confidence in using data, and the collaborative problem-solving that took place. One major success? By the end of the challenge, every student involved could confidently explain what data science is—an incredible win for data education even before the conference wrapped up.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Momentum
As attendees packed their bags and exchanged contact information, one thing was clear: this conference was just the beginning. Educators and advocates left energized and ready to take action, focusing on refining the K-12 Learning Progressions, expanding student access to high-quality data science education, and ensuring that teachers have the support and resources they need to bring data literacy into their classrooms.
With new ideas, fresh perspectives, and perhaps a few extra cups of coffee, the attendees of the Data Science Education K-12 Research to Practice Conference left San Antonio ready to transform data science education for the next generation. This may have been the first conference of its kind, but judging by its impact and enthusiasm, it certainly won’t be the last.
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