CALL FOR PAPERS

May 9-11, 2002
University of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada


School Choice: Public Education at a Cross Roads Conference

Sponsored by: The University of Calgary, Canadian Donner
Foundation, The Centre for the Study of Public Affairs, the
Calgary Board of Education.

When and Where: May 9-11, 2002, University of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta Canada

Intent of Conference

The intent of this conference to bring into the public sphere
a reasoned examination of the promise and dark side of school
choice; to understand how school choice transcends market
discussions; how it involves a debate regarding the role and
purpose of schooling in society and a lack of agreement
regarding the appropriate goals of education. Schools occupy
an awkward position between our hopes for society and
reality; and are positioned in economic and political
realities of the local context.

Many proponents of school choice are parents and students
searching for an "uncommon" school experience, and feel
marginalized in the regular school system. Others are
concerned that choice will fragment society and focus
primarily on the private rather than public benefits. Many
are concerned about the role of public schooling in terms of
sustaining a democratic society, that choice will create a
many tiered education system, and will increase existing
inequalities in society.

In Canada we are at a crossroads of school choice policy, and
since educational policy is a provincial matter there is
great disparity in how this is being addressed in each
province. Policy makers are seeking a better understanding of
how to create good choice plans, and to address those key
issues of diversity, equity, social cohesion, freedom of
choice, and efficiency. This conference will bring together
academics, policy makers and practitioners to understand the
paradox and promises inherent in school choice.

Broad Questions:

What is the role of public education in democratic society?
What are the desired ends of education that ought to provide
the parameters for school choice? How do we make informed
choices regarding which choice plans are better than others?
What lessons we can learn from school choice plans in other
jurisdictions? What are the goals and philosophies driving
various school choice programs? What are the promises and
paradoxes inherent in these various choice plans?

The papers for this conference will come from both invited
presenters and this call for proposals. Selected papers will
be published in an edited book.

Confirmed contributors include:

Henry Levin (Columbia Teachers College),
William Boyd (Pennsylvania State University)
Jeff Henig (George Washington University)
Terence Mclaughlin (Cambridge University)
Lynn Bosetti (University of Calgary)
Jane Gaskell, (University of British Columbia)
Lorna Earl (University of Toronto)
Steve Lawton (Northern Arizona University)
Jerry Pacquette (University of Western Ontario)
Hanne Mawhinney (University of Maryland)

Call for Papers: We are seeking proposals for research and
conceptual papers that examine policy issues related to
school choice (diversity, equity, social cohesion, freedom of
choice, efficiency, frameworks for school choice, lessons
learned, and future directions). Schools of choice are
broadly conceived to include alternative programs/schools,
magnate schools, private/independent schools, charter
schools, religious schools, and for-profit schools.

Proposals should include the names and institutional
affiliations of the author(s), and email address; an abstract
of 50-100 words, and a proposal of no longer than 2 pages
that summarizes the research question (s), the conceptual
basis for the study, and the primary findings and
implications for policy makers. Please indicate AV needs.

The Deadline for proposals is Nov 30, 2001.

Proposals should be sent to:

Dr. Lynn Bosetti
Faculty of Education
University of Calgary
2500 University Dr. NW
Calgary. AB
T2N 1N4

e-mail to Beverley Lynn Bosetti <[log in to unmask]>

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