98th NCSS Annual Conference 
November 30-December 2, 2018 

Hyatt Regency
Chicago, IL

Theme: Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow: Building the Future of Social Studies

Call for Proposals is now closed. 

Presentation Types

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

• Pre-Conference Clinic (3 or 6 hours)
  Ticketed half-day or full-day explorations of specific topics. All clinics will be held on Thursday, November 29, prior to the main conference program.
• Session (1 hour)
  Informal presentations that include opportunities for audience participation. All sessions will be presented on Friday and Saturday.
• Power session (30 minutes)
  Short, focused, specific presentations that need little introduction. 
• Workshop (2 hours)
  A more intensive format with time for hands-on experiences. 
• Poster presentation (1 hour)
  An opportunity for presenters to illustrate an innovative lesson, teaching strategy, or research result. All poster presentations will be offered on Friday and Saturday.

Conference Theme

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 can only make the profession stronger.  As you draft your proposal for the 2018 NCSS Annual Conference, consider how your presentation might address one or more of the conference sub-themes.

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 these issues have affected who we are, what we believe, where we have been and where we are going.  [history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, archaeology]

The World Around Us

Human interaction with the environment and other cultures is a key concept in social studies.  Proposals might highlight interdisciplinary studies that explore geographic and environmental issues that have shaped our world.  [geography, environmental studies, sociology, world cultural studies]

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 have changed to be able to withstand the constantly changing world.  [civics and government, economics, law-related education, global studies]

Who? What? How?

Teaching has grown more complex as research and anecdotal commentary focuses on the realities in classrooms.  Proposals in this area might demonstrate:

• Who? English language learners, special education students, and other student groups create unique challenges.  How do educators meet their diverse needs simultaneously?
• What? How can social studies teachers balance state standards and students?  How do elementary teachers fit social studies into a curriculum driven by math and reading/language arts?
• How? How can we best help the future of our profession?  Practical help, advice, and mentoring are essential to firmly anchor the "newbies"--preservice teachers, novice teachers, alternative certification teachers--in the profession.  How can NCSS help them develop?

[pedagogy, technology, classroom management, ELL, special education]

21st Century Skills

Proposals in this area might focus on the research, innovative methods of delivery, and technology that address the needs of students.  How are you building the 21st-century skills of critical thinking and problem solving, innovation, collaboration and communication necessary for students to become tomorrow's leaders? [educational research, assessment, methodology, technology]

Before You Click Submit

Please review our tips on Writing a Winning Proposal

Historically, the acceptance rate for sessions and power sessions has been approximately 40-50 percent. For workshops, the 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.

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. We encourage you to volunteer to be a proposal reviewer. There is no better way to hone one’s submission skills.  Remember, reviewers get a discount on conference registration!

Presenter Registration

All presenters are required to register for the conference by the advanced registration deadline (November 26, 2018).  NOTE:  NCSS does not reimburse conference presenters for travel or hotel expenses.

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 choose.

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 by the end of May. It is their responsibility to relay that information to all co-presenters. If you don't receive notice by the end of May, please contact conference@ncss.org

Scheduling information will be sent to all participants during the summer.

Submission Deadline

The submission deadline was February 26, 2018. Proposals are no longer being accepted.