List of Mini-Talks and 64 Attending Schools and Organizations Released!
Tilson Vs. Ravich II



This Is Why Finland Has The Best Schools
By William Doyle

The Harvard education professor Howard Gardner once advised Americans, "Learn from Finland, which has the most effective schools and which does just about the opposite of what we are doing in the United States."

Read the rest here.
New Conference Updates: 
Mini-Talks Now Listed
List of Schools and Organization to be Represented at the Conference so far
Reminder: On May 30th the registration rate will go up to $300 and the low income rate will go up to $250. Also, on that date all deposit balances are due. If you haven't registered yet please register soon. It helps us greatly in planning. If you have a group or special need contact the AERO office immediately, as we will soon leave for the IDEC in Finland. 

You can register here. 

Mini-talks

For the first time at an AERO conference the first day will consist of TED-like mini-talks by outstanding presenters. 

The mini-talks will be presented to all the conference participants. Some may be stand alone, but may also be introductions for people doing other workshops. Some will be eventually available online. Don't miss this fantastic new conference innovation!

Go  here to see the list of mini-talks so far. 

Schools and Organizations

This is one of the most important aspects of the conference: The following is a list to date of the schools, organizations and programs that will be represented at the AERO conference. So you can see the crucial networking that will and always does take place at AERO conferences.

Go here to see the 64 schools, organizations and colleges on the list so far.
Round 2 of the Discussion with Diane Ravitch and Whitney Tilson, Charter Schools, and Testing, etc.
Ed: Last week you read Whitney's story about his attempt to find common ground with Diane Ravich. Now they are starting to discuss their differences. Tilson is a strong supporter of Common Core and Charters and is on the KIPP board. Ravich has been a strong advocate of public school teachers and opposed to Common Coe and high stakes testing. 

By Whitney Tilson

Because of its length, we've agreed to break it into two parts: Round 2 is below and will cover the first three topics. 

Read the rest here.
Pearson's Quest to Cover the Planet in Company-Run Schools
By Anya Kamenetz

FOR DECADES, THE major landmark of Balut, Tondo, a densely populated slum squeezed against Manila's North Harbor, was a monumental pile of often-smoldering trash nicknamed Smokey Mountain. "It used to be sort of pretty, actually," says Nellie Cruz, a lifelong resident. She points to the spot, now bulldozed, across a reeking, garbage-strewn canal from where we stand with her 13-year-old son, Aki.

Read the rest here.
Many Future Jobs Will Not Require a Bachelor's Degree-Where Does that Leave Higher Education?
By Susan Kryczka

The headline on the front page of the business section in the Boston Globe on Monday, November 9, 2015 said, "State facing lack of labor, Job-training system falling short, study says."

Read the rest here.
Links and Calendar
Links
Ongoing
 
Calendar
Please send us feedback on this issue. also, we would like to have more articles written by AERO members and about AERO school and organizations.  Thank you for your ongoing support. With  your help , we will make learner-centered alternatives available to everyone!

In Service,

Jerry Mintz
Executive Director
Alternative Education Resource Organization

Please consider making a donation to AERO to help support our work. Thanks!