Call for Proposals >> Session Categories

Below are descriptions of the sessions as well as sample proposals that we believe exemplifies each of the categories. These sample proposals were selected by the 2004 convention co-chairs and represent the best examples of proposals submitted. These proposals were chosen primarily because they received high marks from reviewers. To protect their privacy, all author and co-author names have been removed. Please abide by all copyright laws governing publications. Please note that some of these sessions may not appear at a convention during a given year.

Paper Sessions. These sessions are intended for reporting research results or analyzing issues of policy and practice in an abbreviated form. Presenters are expected to provide copies of papers. Proposal summary should include statement of purpose and rationale; for research reports, description of data sources, methods and findings; and conclusions. Presenters will be allotted approximately 20 minutes each. A discussion leader will be assigned to facilitate dialogue during the final 30 minutes of the session.

Symposia. A symposium should examine specific issues, research problems, or topics from several perspectives and allow for dialogue and discussion. Session organizers are expected to chair the session and facilitate discussion. Symposium participants are expected to develop and provide copies of papers.

Conversations. Conversation sessions are intended to stimulate informal, lively discussion often using a series of provocative questions or vignettes. Session organizers are expected to organize a panel of participants and facilitate and guide the conversation about critical issues, concerns, and perspectives. The proposal summary should describe the purpose of the session, the ways in which participants will be encouraged to engage in conversation, and examples of questions or areas to be addressed.

Community-Building Sessions. A limited number of slots will be designated as Community-Building Sessions. These “double-length” sessions are intended to discuss sensitive and/or controversial topics (e.g., racism, homophobia, religion, etc.) in more detail and depth than a regular session allows. The extended time offers presenters more flexibility in establishing a “safe space” between panelists and audience members, yielding a richer dialogue and understanding of the topic at hand. The proposal should describe the purpose of the session (including a rationale for why this type of session is necessary for this topic), the presenter(s)’s experience in approaching the topic with others, methods for engaging the audience in dialogue, and strategies for bringing a sense of closure to the session.

Interactive Roundtables. These sessions are intended for small group focused discussions such as book discussions, "fireside" chats, research in progress, practitioner voices, and issues in teaching in educational leadership. The proposal summary should describe the focus and purpose of the session and the format(s) used to engage participants.

Point-Counterpoint Sessions. Point-counterpoint sessions are intended to stimulate review, debate, and discussion around a specific and current issue of controversy related to the field of educational leadership. The proposal summary should describe the focus of the session, the competing or opposing points to be presented, the format in which the various points of view will be aired (e.g., debate format), and opportunities for audience participation. Session organizers are expected to chair the session and facilitate discussion.

Innovative Sessions. Proposals utilizing innovative presentation/interaction strategies are encouraged. The proposal summary should describe the focus and purpose of the session, the innovative format, and how the format will enhance adult learning and discussion.