2015 International Roundtable

22nd Annual International Roundtable

Education in a Globalized World:
Equity, Diversity and Civic Participation

7-10 October 2015

Knowledge emerges only through invention, and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other.  ~Paulo Freire

The 2015 Macalester International Roundtable (IRT) will seek to better understand disparities in education. We will explore opportunities for closing the education gap(s) through discussion of emerging innovations and socio-political and cultural platforms that promise to improve the delivery of, diversity of and access to education. The IRT will consider local, national and international perspectives on education and learning in the context of globalization.

Please join us as we deepen our participation in the challenging task of overcoming disparities in education locally, nationally and internationally:

  1. Equity and diversity
    Consider social, cultural, political, economic and geographic barriers to quality education locally, domestically and in nations around the world. Seek to understand how socio-economic determinants (e.g. race, class, ethnicity, language, gender and disability) limit access to quality education in the humanities and the arts, social sciences, civic participation, natural sciences, mathematics and technology.
  2. Teaching and learning
    Explore models, innovations, and best practices—including formal and informal, state supported and privately funded, indigenous and community-based—aimed at reducing educational disparities in a globalized world.
  3. Political voice and policy
    Explore the complex dynamics  that limit or give voice to the many stakeholders in education. Consider the complementary and often conflicting positions of educators, students, families, citizens, advocacy groups, and communities as they work to shape global systems. Seek to understand how they interact with transnational corporations, NGOs, international agencies, foundations, and all levels of government—in advancing education for all.

Plenary sessions, student-led workshops, and engagement with various Twin Cities communities will explore a multitude of themes. All events free and open to the public.

  • Andrew Delbanco 65.jpgAndrew Delbanco is Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies at Columbia University.
  • Changu Mannathoko 65.jpgChangu Mannathoko is the UNICEF Senior Policy Advisor, Education.
  • Carlos Mariani Rosa 65.jpgCarlos Mariani Rosa is a Macalester alum, ’79, member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and executive director of the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership.
  • Joel Spring 65.jpgJoel Spring  is a professor at Queens College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York
  • Carlos Alberto Torres PictureCarlos Alberto Torres is the Associate Dean for Global Programs and Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences and Comparative Education, and former Director of the UCLA-Latin American Center.