Convention 2010 >> Session Format

“Building Bridges: Politics, Partnerships, and the Purpose of Schooling”

Dates: Thursday, October 28, 2010-Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana

Sessions will be accepted across these sections:

1. 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 electronic copies of papers. The proposal summary should include a statement of purpose, theoretical framework, findings, and conclusions. For research reports, also describe data sources and methods. A discussion leader will be assigned to facilitate dialogue for the session.


2. 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 electronic copies of papers.


3. Conversations/Dialogues. These sessions are intended to stimulate informal, lively discussions using a series of provocative questions or vignettes. Session organizers may organize a panel of participants who facilitate and guide the conversation about critical issues, concerns, and perspectives. Alternatively, these sessions may be organized as a dialogue where the organizers and audience discuss together an issue or series of questions in small groups. The proposal summary should describe the purpose of the session, the ways in which participants will engage in conversation/dialogue, and examples of questions or areas to be addressed.


4. Poster Session. These sessions are intended for individualized discussions of one’s research and/or development projects. Like a paper session, poster session proposal summaries should include a statement of purpose, rationale, findings, and conclusions. For research reports, also describe data sources and methods.


5. Point/Counterpoint Sessions. Point/counterpoint sessions are intended to stimulate review, debate, and discussion around a specific and current issue related to the field of educational leadership. The proposal summary should describe the focus of the session; the alternative, 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.


6. Innovative sessions. Proposals utilizing innovative presentation/interaction strategies are encouraged such as web-based projects, the use of technology to increase interaction and participation. 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.


7. International Community-Building Sessions. These sessions, regardless of format (i.e., paper, symposia, conversation, etc.), require participants to be from 2 or more different countries. The focus of these sessions must be examinations of critical issues from these multiple international perspectives. The proposal summary should describe the purpose of the session, the format participants will employ, and a list of the national contexts that will be represented.