Proceedings:
December 2-4, 2011 Washington, DC
National Council for the Social Studies is now accepting proposals for the 91st NCSS Annual Conference to be held December 2-4, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Who we teach, what we teach and how we teach are the bedrock issues of social studies education. Thoughtful discussion and collegial exchange devoted to these issues of diversity can only make the profession stronger. As you draft your proposal for the 2011 NCSS conference, consider how your presentation might address one or more of the conference sub-themes.
REMEMBER! The deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sub -Themes
I. Past – Present – Future
The issues of religion, class, race and gender, among others, have permeated historical study and analysis for millennia. Proposals in this area might focus on how such diversity has affected who we are, what we believe, where we have been and where we are going.
II. The World Around Us
Human interaction with the environment and other cultures is a key concept in social studies. Proposals might highlight using interdisciplinary studies that explore geographic and environmental issues that have shaped our world.
III. Keeping Current
Staying abreast of our global society has become a social studies imperative. Proposals in this area might focus on an understanding of how governments and economic systems operate in our changing world.
IV. Who? What? How?
Teaching has grown more complex as research and anecdotal commentary focus on the realities in classrooms. Proposals in this area could demonstrate
- Who? English language learners, special education students, and other subgroups create unique challenges. How do educators meet their diverse needs simultaneously?
- What? As the drive toward national standards continues, how can social studies teachers balance standards and students? How do elementary teachers fit social studies into a curriculum driven by math and reading/language arts?
- How? Practical help, advice, and mentoring are essential to firmly anchor the "newbies" – pre-service teachers, novice teachers, alternative certification teachers - in the profession. How can NCSS help them develop? What is research revealing about how students learn?
V. Closing the Achievement Gap
What's working to close the achievement gap? Proposals in this area might focus on research, innovative methods of delivery, and technology that address the needs of students most at risk.
Presentation Types
You may propose a presentation in any of the following formats:
- Sessions (1 hour): Presentations that include opportunities for audience participation. All sessions will be presented on Friday and Saturday.
- Workshops (2 hours): A more intensive format with time for hands-on experiences. All workshops will be presented on Sunday morning.
- Poster presentations (1 hour): An opportunity for presenters to illustrate an innovative lesson, teaching strategy, or research result in a less formal setting. All poster presentations will be offered on Friday and Saturday.
- Pre-Conference Clinics: Ticketed half-day or full-day explorations of specific topics. All clinics will be held on Thursday prior to the main conference program. All costs associated with a clinic (on-site or off-site) must be included in a clinic budget to be submitted to NCSS once the clinic has been selected by the Conference Program Committee. Clinic chairs cannot be reimbursed for any costs associated with the clinic (AV, materials, transportation) that are not included in the clinic budget. The clinic ticket amount for attendees must cover all costs of putting on the clinic.
Historically, the acceptance rate for sessions has been approximately 50 percent. For workshops, the acceptance rate has been lower, and for poster presentations higher. Presentation slots are limited. For this reason, presenters may not appear on the program in more than two presentations.
Selection Criteria
Proposal reviewers and the NCSS Program Planning Committee use the following criteria in reviewing proposals:
- 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 this 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 you would want to attend?
All proposals will be reviewed blind (with no names attached) and scored by multiple reviewers. The Program Planning Committee will make its selection from the top-ranked proposals.
Presenter Registration
All presenters are required to register for the conference by the advanced registration deadline. Online registration will open next 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 you will be billed for the options you chose.
Commercial Solicitation
Commercial solicitation is prohibited at all presentations. 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 the primary presenters in the spring. It is their responsibility to relay that information to all co-presenters. Scheduling information will be sent to all participants during the summer.
REMEMBER! The deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Getting Started
Select "Before You Submit a Proposal" for a quick tutorial on how to transform your good idea into a winning proposal. Select "Submit a Proposal" to enter the NCSS online proposal submission system. After submitting, select "Edit Your Proposal" to revise your work. The last day for submissions and edits is Monday, February 22, 2011.
Program Chair: