Our intention is to keep the conference small and focused in order that meaningful dialogue can take place. Panel presentations, commentary and discussion will also include doctoral students who are grappling with these theoretical and methodological issues in their current research projects.

We have planned six panels of 3-4 presenters whose papers will be distributed prior to the conference to maximize discussion. For each panel a discussant will deliver comments on the papers, focusing on cross-cutting concerns and themes.

Our main objectives are to:

(1) Unpack the problematic notions of children’s/youth “voice,” participation and rights in debates about education.

(2) Facilitate the development of new approaches to policy, politics and pedagogies related to children’s/youth agency in learning and development.

(3) Produce an edited volume based on the panel presentations and responses that will assess the knowledge base and synergies, chart a research agenda, and advance new methodological approaches that are of special relevance for contemporary urban education.