The Comparative Education Society in Europe (CESE) today is the oldest European scientific society in the field of academic education. It is essentially concerned with scientific and academic issues and therefore wishes to become a witness of the times and a contributor through diligence and intellectual endeavours. Since its creation in London in 1961, CESE has traditionally promoted a space for scientific dialogue amongst scholars, specialists and young researchers from the field of education and other disciplines. Throughout its history, CESE has organized twenty-three conferences and two specialized symposia. At the present CESE is continuing this tradition and from time to time seeks to organize between the biannual conferences an international symposium with the title “CESE in-between”. Our main goal is to invite leading scholars and experts both within and outside Europe to engage in independent and intellectually balanced conversations about urgent and contemporary educational problématiques.

This year, with the generous sponsorship of the Cabildo Insular of La Palma (Board of Towns of the Island of La Palma), CESE is organizing an international symposium entitled PISA under Examination: Changing Knowledge, Changing Tests, and Changing Schools. The subject of PISA has been chosen because of its widespread interest to academics and policy-makers and working educationists as well as parents and local communities. Across Europe, there is exceptionally strong interest in this topic on both practical and theoretical levels. This subject is a challenge to us all.

Thus I invite you to come and explore these issues with CESE colleagues and other educationalists from across Europe and the world in a wonderful setting – La Palma Island in the Canaries, a location which may be of particular interest for Latin Americans due to the historical and enduring cultural exchanges.

On the website below you will find complete information about the academic themes which will be covered in the symposium as well as other useful information about La Palma, including travelling and hotels options. I should also note that the weather at this time of year is traditionally very welcoming. You can access more details about the academic programme, travel options and hotels by contacting cese@ugr.es

Miguel A. Pereyra
Professor of Comparative Education
University of Granada, and
President of CESE on behalf of the CESE Committee