Opening Windows to the World

2012 Conference Sub-themes

I. Windows to Literacy in a Digital Age

Communicating effectively — through reading, writing, speaking, and listening — is essential in today's world. How do we engage learners in powerful literacy experiences to understand and communicate about their world? How do we support students, immersed in technology, to become critical consumers and producers of information and thoughtfully engaged citizens?

II. Windows to the Past

Learning about the past requires students to develop a set of skills to reason, critique, and connect with history in ways they find personally meaningful. How do we invite students to participate in authentic historical inquiry and in the process of "doing" history?

III. Windows to a Sustainable Future

New knowledge and ways of thinking are necessary to achieve economic prosperity and a sustainable future. How do we encourage students to explore and apply concepts of social and environmental sustainability? What personal interaction and civic engagement strategies help young people acquire and apply the skills and dispositions needed to become competent and responsible citizens?

IV. Windows to Excellence in Equity

Multicultural education develops citizens in democratic societies by considering the needs of all students. How can we integrate issues of social justice and diversity (including race, ethnicity, culture, language, religion, gender, sexuality, abilities/disabilities, socio-economic levels) into social studies classrooms? How can we facilitate learning for every student in our increasingly multicultural nation and world?

V. Windows to Global Interdependence

Global interdependence has intensified and accelerated the pace of change in our communities, nation, and across the globe. How are these changes reshaping our rapidly evolving social, economic and political institutions? How do we prepare young people for the challenges of an interdependent world?

VI. Windows to the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim

The Pacific Northwest is a distinctive region shaped both by the indigenous peoples and immigrants who settled here and its location on the Pacific Rim. How has its geographic setting influenced the economy and culture of this region? How do we help students examine their place and prospects in this dynamic environment?

VII. Windows to the Work We Do

Teaching well requires professional development that enhances our knowledge, skills, and understanding of those we teach, what we teach, and how we teach. How can cutting-edge research and the sharing of best practices help us meet the challenges of engaging all students, differentiating instruction, and closing the achievement gap?

Presentation Types

You may propose a presentation in any of the following formats:

• Session (1 hour): A targeted presentation that includes opportunities for audience participation. All sessions will be presented on Friday and Saturday.
• Workshop (2 hours): A more intensive format with time for hands-on experiences. All workshops will be presented on Sunday morning.
• Poster (1 hour): An opportunity to illustrate an innovative lesson, teaching strategy, or research result in a less formal setting. All posters will be presented on Friday and Saturday.
• Pre-Conference Clinic: A ticketed half-day or full-day exploration of a specific topic. All clinics will be held on Thursday prior to the main conference program. The costs associated with a clinic (on-site or off-site) must be included in a budget submitted to NCSS once a clinic has been selected. The ticket amount for attendees must cover all costs of putting on the clinic.

Historically, the acceptance rate for sessions has been about 50 percent. For workshops, the acceptance rate has been lower, and for posters higher. Presentation slots are limited. For this reason, individuals may not appear on the program in more than two presentations.

Selection Criteria

Proposal reviewers use these criteria when reviewing submissions:

• Does the proposal relate to the theme and subthemes of the conference?
• Do the title and abstract match the presentation description?
• Do the discipline and primary audience designations correlate with the description?
• Are the objectives clearly stated?
• Does the proposal create a clear picture of how the presentation will flow?
• Are the content and/or skills discussed relevant to the intended audience?
• Are there opportunities for audience interaction?
• Can the objectives be met and activities completed in the time and format selected?
• Does the proposal use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation?
• Is this a presentation that the reviewer would want to attend?

All proposals are reviewed blind (with no names attached) and scored by multiple reviewers. The Program Planning Committee makes a final selection from the top-ranked proposals.

We encourage you to become proposal reviewer, as there is no better way to hone your submission skills. Reviewers read and score from 10 to 15 proposals. As a thank you for reviewing, they receive a discount on the regular conference registration.

Sign-up To Be A Reviewer

Presenter Registration

All presenters are required to register for the conference by the advanced registration deadline. Online registration will open in late summer.

Presentation Materials and Audio-Visual Equipment

Presenters are responsible for providing any materials they plan to use or distribute in their presentation. They are also responsible for the costs of any A-V equipment needed. You will find those costs listed on the proposal form. If your proposal is accepted, NCSS will confirm your audiovisual needs and bill you accordingly.

Commercial Solicitation

If you are representing a commercial interest, your presentation must be educational in nature. If the essential purpose of a proposal is to promote books, materials, or services for sale, it will not be accepted.

Notification

Acceptance/rejection notification will be sent via email to primary presenter in the spring. It is their responsibility to relay that information to their co-presenters. We suggest using a personal email address if you have one as school and university spam filters often trap messages from NCSS. Scheduling information will be sent to all participants during the summer.

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