For the second in our series of EDEQUITY Dialogues, we will host a discussion of
a fascinating new Australian book "Answering Back: Girls, Boys and Feminism in
Schools" (Routledge, 1998, 225 pp.). From September 14-18, our guests will be
co-authors Jane Kenway, Associate Professor and Director of the Deakin Centre
for Education and Change, Deakin University, Geelong, and Sue Willis, Associate
Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Murdoch University, Perth. We
also will be trying an exciting new experiment by co-sponsoring this discussion
with the Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA)'s gender network, a
listserv on gender equity issues for teachers and researchers from all sectors
and levels of the Australian education system.
"Answering Back" addresses the little-researched question of whether gender
reform in Australia is making a difference in schools and how such a diffence
could be measured. To quote from the book jacket: "'Answering Back' exposes
the volatility of gender reform in schools and classrooms....[The book]
challenges many sacred ideas about gender reform in schools and will surprise
and unsettle teachers and researchers. It draws on a deep knowledge of gender
issues in schools and of feminist theories, policies, and practices. It is
compelling and provocative reading at the cutting edge."
While "Answering Back" focuses on the experience of gender equity reform in
Australia, the issues it raises are ones that have been the subject of much
debate on this list. Please go out, get the book, and plan to join what we hope
will be a lively discussion of important issues. ("Answering Back" is available
from Amazon.com if it is not in your local bookstore.)
As we get closer to the date, we will post more information about the discussion
including a short review of the book. Please encourage your colleagues and
friends who are not currently on EDEQUITY to join us for this Dialogue.
FYI--Look for information soon about the third Dialogue in our series: a panel
discussion in October on sexual harassment in schools.
Susan
Susan J. Smith
EDEQUITY Moderator
edequity-admin@mail.edc.org