teadata
I built an open-source Python library that connects Texas school data across sources and years. Its data model and query language support research on districts, campuses, transfer flows, and geography.
Python · SQLAlchemy & PostgreSQL
Selected software and research by Alejandro Peña
Software
Molt
I’m building a compiler that turns Python into native binaries and WebAssembly.
Compiler development · Python & Rust
comma.ai compression
I’ve been working on comma.ai’s lossy video compression challenge. Three of my submissions have appeared on its leaderboard.
Ongoing research · PRs 107, 110 & 140
Research
The Lost Decade (and a Half)
I wrote the 2024 report on educator pay, did the analysis, and built the responsive district tables.
Research, writing & web development
CharterCostTracker
I built the data collection and reporting system for estimating how charter transfers affect district revenue.
Data engineering & school finance
Texas charter schools: 30 years
I did all the quantitative research and analysis for OSOD’s report on 30 years of charter schools in Texas, examining school finance, staffing, and accountability.
Research · Our Schools, Our Democracy
Software + research
Data for Public Education
I lead a research and software practice focused on Texas public schools. I build the data tools, conduct the analysis, and work with clients on reports and public-facing applications.
Work with me
I build data pipelines and web applications, investigate policy questions, and turn the findings into reports, maps, and tools people can use.
Work index
Research: 7 projects
Research & policy
- The Lost Decade (and a Half)2024
Texas educator-pay research: I wrote the 2024 report, performed all the analysis, and built its responsive web tables.
- CharterCostTracker2024
A Python system for estimating charter transfers’ effects on district revenue, covering 1,023 Texas districts over five years.
- Texas EFA Vendor Analysis2026
Python scripts and a research workbook for examining Texas Education Freedom Account school listings.
- HB 2 Support-Staff Raise Analysis2025
Statewide funding models and local organizing materials to help Texas AFT explain what HB 2 could mean for school support staff.
- Facing Facts: Charter Schools in Texas2025
The quantitative research behind a 2025 report on Texas charter-school spending, staffing, and oversight.
- SB 9 Teacher Pay Analysis2023
District-level estimates of the costs and effects of teacher-pay proposals in the 2023 Texas legislative session.
Design
- Respect Campaign Map2022
A district map connecting Texas educators with local pay research and campaign resources.