Author: Kendra Castelow

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
2017 GATESOL Annual Conference
“K.E.Y.S. to Cultural Proficiency: Unlocking the Language of Equitable Instruction”
October 19-20, 2017
Kendra M. Castelow, Conference Chair
www.gatesol.org

The Inspiration
The term, culturally relevant pedagogy, was established by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings to describe “…a theoretical model that not only addresses student achievement but also helps students to accept and affirm their cultural identity while developing critical perspectives that challenge inequities that schools (and other institutions) perpetuate” (1995, p. 469).
The Heart of the Matter
Someone once said, “People like to be celebrated and not tolerated.” This is true of multilingual and multicultural populations. What is lamentable is that some tolerate, marginalize, and alienate members of those multilingual and multicultural populations. This is a reality that adversely affects education, commerce, and international relations. Culturally proficient leaders are advocates for their multilingual and multicultural populations. To fulfill this role, leaders, including educators, must be transparent in their personal reflections. They should examine their existence in their communities, decide to be responsive to their constituents, and become agents of change.
Above & Beyond
Success in ESOL is not “just good teaching.” Research has shown that “best practices,” in isolation, is not conducive to success. If “good teaching” was the solution, then many educators could hide behind “best practices,” fail to challenge their misinformed perceptions of their students and families, and develop students who are well-rounded, socially adjusted, and aware of and take advantage of all the financial and social resources in their communities. In fact, prejudiced views of an educator might form a barrier that prevents students from researching topics and discourage that same teacher from sharing knowledge that could increase their social and cultural capital (Bourdieu, 1979). The field of ESOL embraces focused study, research-based strategies, and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
School Leadership & Other Educational Institutions
School districts have become increasingly interested in culturally responsive teaching. School principals have inquired about their school environments and classroom strategies and how they might be able to make their multicultural and multilingual families feel welcome (Moyer & Clymer, 2009). Recently, education has recognized that there is more to students’ academic success than simply grades. In fact, students’ sense of belonging directly impacts their performance (Mertens, Afara, & Caskey, 2007). Students’ culture has a significant part to play in their sense of well-being.

STRANDS for the 2017 GATESOL Annual Conference:
K Know Thyself and Others
Share ways you are reflective in your teaching, preparation, and interaction with your students, colleagues, and families.
E Engage All Stakeholders
Share ways you engage your families, businesses, community leaders, and legislators as you work to affect a change in the lives of your English Learners and members of the multilingual and multicultural populations.
Y Yield to Public Policy
Share ways you reach out to your Legislators, Representatives, Senators, and other guiding organizations responsible for overseeing education, related programs, and outreach.
S Strategize Instruction and Collaboration
Share ways you develop lesson plans, deliver professional development, and work across the curriculum to meet the educational and personal needs of your multilingual and multicultural populations.

2017 GATESOL Annual Conference
“K.E.Y.S. to Cultural Proficiency: Unlocking the Language
of Equitable Instruction”
October 19-20, 2017
Kendra M. Castelow, Conference Chair
Jayoung Choi, Program Chair
www.gatesol.org

Please submit one or more of the following types of presentations:
Descriptive Report (60 minutes) Detailed discussion of activity the presenter is carrying out related to the theory or practice of instruction of English learners. Purpose is to describe and NOT demonstrate. Descriptions of program design and implementation, policies and procedures, and teacher preparation and development are suitable topics. Presenters should allow for audience questions.
Demonstration (60 minutes) Presentations which show a specific teaching or testing technique and/or materials. Purpose is to demonstrate how something is done. The presenter should provide a brief description of the underlying theory, include handouts and audiovisual aids, and actively involve participants. Presenters should allow for audience questions.
Research Papers (60 minutes) -- Description and/or discussion of research relating to language education. Purpose is to share empirical research or well-documented theoretical/practical perspectives. The following elements are also acceptable: critical reviews of literature, policy studies, well-documented historical studies, critiques, etc. Presenters use handouts and audiovisual aids and present a summary rather than reading a prepared text. Presenters should allow for audience questions.
Interactive Workshop (60 minutes) -- Session in which participants develop methods or materials, design research studies, analyze research data. Purpose is to confront and solve actual teaching or research problems. Workshops must provide participants with the opportunity to actively participate. Emphasis is on providing hands-on experience vs. lecturing. Presenters should allow for audience questions.

Submission of Proposals
Submit proposals via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDGGTXV by 11:59 PM by August 5, 2017. Please follow the directions carefully. The Program Committee will select proposals based on a blind review. In order to submit your proposal, you will need the following basics:
· A title of 10 words or less for the program
· An abstract of 550 characters or less (to appear in the Program Book)
· A description of the session (activities, content, and time for each part/segment)
· Names, affiliations, and contact information for all presenters

Registration
Registration for the 2017 GATESOL Conference via www.gatesol.org is REQUIRED to present and attend. We want everyone— presenters and attendees—to pre-register. Please direct all questions and/or concerns about Registration to Katie Simon Kurumada, Registration Chair, Kendra M. Castelow, Conference Chair, and carbon copy Jayoung Choi, Program Chair. Registration will open February 2017.

Contemplation, Communication, & Collaboration
The 2017 GATESOL Annual Conference, “Keys to Cultural Proficiency: Unlocking the Language of Equitable Instruction,” will address these issues and so many more! Our English Learners are valuable assets in our educational organizations and communities. GATESOL advocates for those English Learners and their educators and seeks to establish and maintain partnerships with all organizations supporting our mission. We look forward to welcoming our Keynote Speakers, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings and Dr. Danny Brassell, and other vital community leaders who play monumental roles in empowering and educating English Learners and other multilingual and multicultural populations! If you want to be a part in finding out what can be done to provide equal access to education of English Learners and their families and to engage stakeholders of all facets of our society, make plans to join us in Macon, Georgia, October 19-20, 2017, for GATESOL’s Annual Conference!
References:
Bourdieu, P. (1979). Distinction. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Ladson-Billings, G. (1995, Fall). Toward a theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. American Educational Research Journal, 32 (3), 465-491.
Mertens, S. B., Anfara, V., & Caskey, M. M. (2007). The Young Adolescent and the Middle School. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing.

2017 GATESOL Annual Conference
“K.E.Y.S. to Cultural Proficiency: Unlocking the Language of Equitable Instruction”
October 19-20, 2017
Kendra M. Castelow, Conference Chair
Jayoung Choi , Program Chair
Katie Simon Kurumada, Registration Chair
Greg Wickersham, Exhibitor Chair
Conference Registration
Sponsorship Registration
Exhibitor Registration
Advertisement Registration
www.gatesol.org

2017 GATESOL Call for Proposals