As education stakeholders continue to grapple with the impact of Covid-19 on schools and learners in all contexts, it is clear that reliable data is essential for making good decisions on how to address emerging challenges. The second virtual M&E CoP of 2020 focused on the critical role of M&E in this crisis. Benita Williams from Benita Williams Evaluation gave an overview of current initiatives on coordinating education responses to the pandemic, and highlighted the need for an ‘evaluation agenda’ which foregrounds the systemic role of M&E. Asgar Bhikoo from Allan Gray Orbis Foundation shared some practical strategies and tools for off-site monitoring in the current situation, and discussed the need for organisations to restructure for digital efficiency. Participants also had an opportunity to share their M&E concerns, solutions and tools.