Nearly 100 professionals gathered at the Adult Education Learning Center on June 6 for Houston XM Day, an event focused on the Qualtrics software platform. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Assistant Superintendent of Education and Enrichment Dr. CJ Rodgers and Research and Evaluation Institute Director Yolanda Pyrtle were invited to keynote the event after attending the Qualtrics X4 Summit in Utah earlier this year. 

The pair led a session entitled “Why Not Us?” which explored leadership methods and the challenges of filling the gaps within education while maintaining a client-first mindset. Rodgers explained the importance of a mission-based approach to service delivery and developing partnerships with local school districts to improve services. Pyrtle showcased how her division utilizes Qualtrics software to conduct community assessments that aid HCDE leadership in finding unique solutions to challenges. The two-pronged approach to fill in the gaps within the education system remained a discussion point throughout the day-long event. Attendees then attended breakout sessions that provided insight into turning raw data into meaningful strategies and uncovering the latest trends.