Dear AERA Educational Change SIG Members,

The Educational Change SIG epitomizes AERA’s mission to “promote research to improve education and to serve the public good.” Our SIG is particularly poised to make a significant contribution during the AERA 2016 centennial year, given the theme of public scholarship that speaks to global contexts and “education in diverse democracies.” The scholarship of our SIG members addresses the complexities of leading change and fosters continuous inquiry and collective problem solving within and beyond the education enterprise.

As SIG members, you will continue to receive our regular newsletter, Lead the Change, which has inspired the volume Leading Educational Change: Global Issues, Challenges and Lessons on Whole System Reform (Teachers College Press in 2013). The Series was born out of a desire to offer a meaningful resource to the SIG that highlights the scholarship of our members. Going forward, the Series will continue to bring diverse voices from all corners of the globe, invite inter-disciplinary perspectives, and introduce a deeper dialogue on salient issues in our field.

In addition to the Series, awards, and the national meeting, we will expand this summer into digital platforms, introduce new peer sharing opportunities, and elevate your work through diverse arenas.

I thank Dr. Dennis Shirley for his leadership over the past three years and the dedication and tremendous contributions by Dr. Kristin Kew, Dr. Santiago Rincón-Gallardo, and Osnat Fellus. I am honored to serve as your Chair for the next three years, alongside my fellow officers, Drs. Corrie Stone-Johnson (Program Chair) and Deidre LeFevre (Secretary/Treasurer), and look forward to our growing partnership.

Warm regards,

Helen
Dr. Helen Janc Malone
AERA Educational Change SIG Chair