International Association for Learning Alternatives (IALA) 33rd Annual Conference

"Learning Alternatives - Striving for a High Standard"

June 26, 27, 28, 29, 2003

Radisson Hotel and Convention Center, Valley Forge
1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 337-2000

In partnership with: the Pennsylvania Department of Education (Alternative and Corrections Education); Pennsylvania Association for Learning Alternatives; Lock Haven University; and the Center for Schools and Communities

   The conference features four outstanding keynote presenters:

Don Glines, Ph.D., the director of Educational Futures Projects in Sacramento, Calif. He promotes the overhaul of current schooling rituals by creating entirely new learning systems based upon research, common sense and visions of the future.

Erin Gruwell, two-time California Teacher of the Year, accomplished what many thought impossible. She helped 150 of her students, many of whom were written off by the educational system, use the power of education to write a book, graduate from high school and attend college.

John Taylor Gatto is a former New York teacher of the year. Gatto is one of the most interesting writers on education today. He shows that our bureaucratic schools and our bureaucratic society get in the way of learning.

Rick Miller has three decades of experiences as an author and educator. He heads his own nonprofit, education and business management system, rightly called "The Miller Team." Miller is founder and president of Kids at Hope, a national effort to focus attention on the multiple, emotional and moral intelligence of children and to reverse the "youth at risk" paradigm.

   Breakout sessions will focus on innovative strategies for non-traditional learners. Act 48 credit is available for Pennsylvania educators.

   A CD ROM filled with resources will be distributed. Dress will be summer casual. Also, please plan on bringing something that represents your state to donate for the Silent Auction to help raise money for next year's conference.

   The following are the registration categories:

• Early registration by April 30, 2003, for a full conference registration (includes ice-breaker gathering, three buffet breakfasts and two lunches, and annual membership dues to IALA) is $265.00.
• Current IALA Individual or State Association Members registration (includes ice-breaker gathering, three buffet breakfasts and two lunches) is $215.00 (must be registered by April 30, 2003).
• Full conference registration after April 30, 2003 (includes ice-breaker gathering, three buffet breakfasts, two lunches and annual membership dues to IALA) is $295.00. All registrations must be received by May 27, 2003.
• Pennsylvania Grantees Only - (includes full conference registration plus membership in the Pennsylvania Association for Learning Alternatives). This registration cost is subsidized by the PDE for this conference. Must be registered by April 30, 2003, to receive this rate. - $75.00.
• Single day registration (available Friday and Saturday only and includes all meals) - $75.00.

   Please contact Nancy Avolese, state coordinator alternative education, PDE, at (717) 705-6908 or by e-mail at [email protected] for a registration form or for more information.