2005 annual conference--Washington, D.C.

The photo essay at the right captures some of the many highlights of the 2005 ACEI Annual Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., March 2326. This year's conference theme was "The Future of Education: Government, Pedagogy, and Practice." After a full day packed with more than 75 exciting and highly informative sessions, the Annual Conference officially began with the Opening General Session, featuring Susan Ohanian, a veteran classroom teacher and well-known advocate for children and schools. Ohanian is also a prolific writer, having authored more than 300 essays on education issues; many have been featured in such popular publications as USA Today, Education Week, Phi Delta Kappan, and The Nation. Her presentation, titled "Whose Schools Are They?," focused on mandates and policies that, in her words, "damage children" and show why teachers need to take back control of their classrooms. Talking specifically about No Child Left Behind, Ohanian explained that the easiest way to raise test scores is to eliminate the lowest achievers--which she believes is exactly what is happening. She said that many factors can interfere with student performance on a test, citing situations at home and extreme poverty as prime examples. Ohanian also expressed her concern about the growing number of students who may not test well for one reason or another; they have strong desires and abilities, yet are denied opportunities because they lack a high school diploma. She urged the audience to question and defy what the government dictates via the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and, as teachers, "do what we know is best." We need to take back our schools, Ohanian explained, "for the good of the kids."

The many outstanding presentations and special committee-sponsored sessions on the conference program included "How Are the Children?" an ACEI/UN report on the state of the world's children; "The Developmental Benefits of Playgrounds and Implications for Change"; "International Focus on Pedagogy and Practices," an in-depth look at teacher training programs for teachers in other countries; "Connectors: Content Area Studies for Early Childhood," a special session designed to help teachers move toward integrated teaching; and "Speaking Out for Children: Developing Advocacy Skills," a practical look at communication skills that help teachers become stronger advocates for children and developmentally appropriate early school experiences. More information about each of these presentations, as well as all concurrent sessions and research presentations, can be found on ACEI's Web site at www.acei.org.

Conferees enjoyed a wide variety of special events and functions, including Washington, D.C. Night, International Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall, and Infancy/Early Childhood and Intermediate/Middle Childhood Focus Luncheons that featured presentations titled, "Lessons Learned From Favorite Children's Books" and "Teacher Dispositions: Making a Difference in Classrooms," respectively. In addition, the World Organization for the Education of Children (OMEP) sponsored a breakfast meeting, titled "World OMEP: A Leading Advocate for the Convention on the Rights of the Child." Conference participants also had the opportunity to learn more about how they can "generate the power to change and influence the future of the world's children" at "Reaching Out to Each Other," a session sponsored by ACEI's Week of the Classroom Teacher Committee. The Teacher Plenary Session on the final day of the Conference was a real treat, giving us an opportunity to hear keynote addresses by Aaron Deal, 2004 Maryland State Teacher of the Year, and Sandra Britt Jenkins, 2004 Washington, DC Teacher of the Year--both strong leaders for quality teaching and improved student learning.

The Annual Conference and Exhibition affords ACEI members, and many others who share our vision for children, a wonderful opportunity to come together to exchange information and present new ideas. It is the time that we look forward to each year, a time to enjoy the company of our many friends and colleagues worldwide.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of people like Carolyn M. Bowden, who served as both General Conference Chair and Chair of the Program Committee; Edyth Wheeler, Local Arrangements Chair; Lisa Wenger, ACEI Director of Conferences; and the rest of the Headquarters staff, the Annual Conference has become an important center for international exchange. As Carolyn M. Bowden said, "Nowhere else will you find a gathering of individuals who are more passionate about teaching and learning--and you have a chance [at the Annual Conference] to network with them all."

Now, we must turn our attention to San Antonio, Texas, site of the 2006 Annual Conference. Those involved in planning next year's meeting have been busy working to ensure that everyone who participates in ACEI's Annual Conference has a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I sincerely hope that all of you can join us April 12-15, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Hotel-right on the River Walk. The theme of the Conference is "Embracing a Confluence of Cultures in the Education of Children."