The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is pleased to host its 7th Annual Education Across the Americas Conference. The conference will be held April 3-4, 2009 at Teachers College, Columbia University.

For over 7 years, ALAS' annual conference has sought to create a space for analysis, dialogue, and exchange in relation to the complex realities of education in the Americas. Throughout our history, the conference's objective has been to provide a unique opportunity for scholars who work on issues of education in Latin America to share and discuss their policy, academic, and research concerns. Latin America, however, is far from a homogenous and monolithic landscape of social, political, economic, and cultural practices. The diversity of contexts that characterizes Latin America requires educators, researchers, and policymakers alike to consider the multiplicity of experiences and perspectives when examining education as social phenomena.

This year's theme--Interpreting Realities, Negotiating Perspectives, and Exploring Complexities--challenges us to rethink and reframe our approach to the study of education in the Americas. More specifically, it seeks to address the current challenges and developments in Latin America that have significant implications for the education of children, adolescents, and adults--ranging from very specific and situated classroom environments all the way to national and transnational policy-making and policy-borrowing.

Click here for conference program.

Featuring Keynotes by:

• Walter Mignolo, Duke University
• Sylvia Schmelkes, Universidad Iberoamericana de Mexico
• Bradley Levinson, Indiana University

Highlights this year include:

• Student and Faculty Panels
• Latin American Chamber Music Concert
• Movie Screenings
• Latin American Art Exhibit
• Latin American Closing Party and much more!

Please visit our website for more information on the conference program as it becomes available.