March 2016

The Centennial Annual Meeting's Opening Plenary Session and Gala will celebrate AERA’s 100-year milestone in grand style. Together, the elements of this energizing and dynamic opening session will commemorate the association’s history, highlight the breadth and unity of the field of education research as it has evolved around the world, and begin to explore second-century pathways for advancing AERA’s mission.

The centerpiece of the opening plenary session will be a Town Hall discussion that takes a critical look at the current “State of the Field” for education research – taking stock of its complex history and imagining its future. Donna E. Shalala (Clinton Foundation) will moderate the forum, with Patricia A. Alexander (University of Maryland, College Park), Patricia Albjerg Graham (Harvard University), Gloria J. Ladson-Billings (University of Wisconsin at Madison), Kenneth Prewitt (Columbia University), Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), and Joy Ann Williamson-Lott (University of Washington) set to participate.

In addition to the Town Hall discussion, the opening plenary session will feature many special moments, such as musical performances from The Washington Youth Choir, a video highlighting AERA's first century as an association, as well as a letter from President Barack Obama. AERA President, Jeannie Oakes will open the session with welcoming comments, and AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine will conclude the session with a closing note.

Immediately following the plenary session will be the Post-Plenary Gala. The Post-Plenary Gala will be a celebratory and festive Centennial party for all AERA registrants and special invited guests.