Call for Proposals/Submission Instructions

The 2024 Call For Proposals is now closed. 

The information on this page remains for your reference and planning for ACRES 2025. 

Proposals submitted prior to October 15 will receive early decisions by Nov. 1. As space allows, we will continue to consider proposals submitted until midnight on November 28 (extended date).

As you prepare your presentation proposal, please consult the Instructions and Scoring Rubric for Presenters below. Note that we have included new session types this year for your consideration!

All proposals will be submitted online via the 2024 Proposal Submissions Form. You will receive a confirmation receipt once your proposal has been submitted.

Information for Presenters

Submission Process

• Preparation: Complete instructions for submission, including session types and scoring criteria, are located in the sidebar. We recommend that presenters complete a word document with the form components outlined below, then paste responses into the online form.
• Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation receipt once your proposal has been submitted.
• Deadlines: ALL proposals MUST be submitted no later than November 15 at midnight.
• Health and safety: The ACRES board is committed to following appropriate health and safety measures throughout the conference. All attendees must agree to follow procedures required by the CDC or Conference Site, which will be communicated in advance of the conference.

Selection Process and Criteria

Each complete proposal will undergo a blind review process using these criteria:

• Is the proposal clear as to what the presenter(s) will provide for the audience?
• Does the proposal provide a sound empirical or theoretical base?
• Does the topic have direct or indirect implications for rural special education?
• Does the topic have appeal to and usefulness for an audience of educators, administrators, related service personnel, teacher educators, and/or parents?
• Is the proposal well organized? Does the proposal follow the specified format?
• Is the content appropriate for the conference strand and session type selected?

Reminders to Potential Presenters

• The principal presenter is responsible for keeping all co-presenters/authors informed of all correspondence from ACRES related to the conference.
• Presenters/authors will receive information about preparing for the session and registering for the conference.
• ALL presenters and co-presenters/authors MUST PRE- REGISTER for the conference, with pre-registration due no later than FEBRUARY 14.
  

Proposal Submission Form Components

1. Presenter(s) Name(s) and Affiliation(s). Do NOT include degree designators (PhD, MA, etc.).

2. Conference Strand. Choose one (1) topic that is the focus of the session.

   Choose from: professional preparation, professional development, technology applications, inclusive education, advocacy, early childhood, gifted education, transition, partnerships, or public policy.

3. Type of Session: Format of delivery. 

   Choose from: Single or Double Presentations; Panel Discussions, Roundtables, Posters, and Birds of a Feather networking tables. 

4. Focus Audience: Select one (1) target groups.

   Choose from: teacher educators, researchers, family members, classroom teachers, school administrators, or related services personnel.

5. Equipment: Lead authors will be asked to confirm the following:

   • I understand that the conference will provide a screen and projector (for presentations) or tables (for poster or roundtable sessions) and that other equipment is the responsibility of the presenter(s).
   • I understand that all presenters are responsible for ALL additional presentation equipment, including a computer, speakers, or HDMI adaptors to display the presentation materials using the provided projectors.
   • I understand that ACRES attempts to provide wifi connections in all conference venues but cannot guarantee there will be a reliable internet connection. Presenters should not rely on remote presenters or plan to live stream their presentations.

6. Name and contact information. You will be asked to provide the preferred name and contact information for the lead presenter and all additional co-presenters. This information will be used to create the conference program.

7. Commitment to Attend Conference: presenters and co-presenters are required to register and pay for names to appear in the conference program by February 1st. On the proposal submission form you will be asked to confirm the following:

   • I understand that as lead presenter, I must register and pay the conference registration fee by the pre-registration due date for the session to be included in the conference program booklet and in the conference proceedings document.
   • I have informed my co-presenters/authors that ALL presenters/authors must register and pay the conference registration fee by the pre-registration due date for their names to be included in the conference program booklet.

8. Proposal Narrative. The narrative may not include identifying information and must include the following:

   1. Title. 15 words maximum. The title should include key words to direct audiences to relevant presentations. Provided titles will be used in the conference program and will be edited as needed if the word limit is exceeded.
   2. Abstract. 50 words maximum. Provide a brief description of what presenter(s) will do and what participants will learn during the session. Provided summaries will be used in the conference program and will be edited as needed if the word limit is exceeded.
   3. Session Overview. 200 words maximum. Describe in detail what presenters will do and participants will learn during session.
   4. Empirical or Theoretical Base. 200 words maximum. What research or theory supports this information? Please cite supporting literature.
   5. Rural Focus. 200 words maximum. What implications does this session have for rural special education?
   6. Practical Applications. 200 words maximum. How does this information directly or indirectly benefit session participants?