Purpose: The purpose of this award is to honor outstanding affiliate journals and their editors and to encourage excellence in these publications.
Who Can Participate: Any affiliate of NCTE, with the exception of the previous year's winner, which has published at least one issue of a journal from May of the previous year through the program deadline on May 1 of the year of the award, is eligible to submit its publication for consideration for the award.
Definition of A Journal: Publication by an affiliate of a magazine-type production which includes scholarly articles on issues and topics related to English language arts. It is usually published on an annual or semi-annual basis, although some may be published quarterly. The primary purpose of the magazine is to focus on instruction of English language arts and related topics. Publications that primarily focus on affiliate news and activities are to be considered newsletters and entered in that competition.
Frequency/Number of Awards: One journal will be selected and recognized at the Affiliate Breakfast at each year's NCTE Annual Convention. In addition to the top award, up to two honorable mentions may be awarded.
Award Specifics: The top award will be a plaque presented to the winning affiliate. Honorable mentions will be certificates presented to each winning affiliate.
Criteria: Previous year's award winner is ineligible to participate. Affiliates nominate themselves for this award by submitting four copies of one issue of their journal published between May 1 of previous year and May 1 of year of award, as well as, the completed Affiliate Journal Award Submission Form. Submissions should be sent to the participating SCOA Representative (Steve Hubbard, 703 S Three Notch St, Andalusia, AL 36420-4412), and must be postmarked no later than May 1 of year of the award; late entries will be returned. If affiliates send more than one issue of the journal for judging, the contest chair will randomly select the issue to be judged; all other issues will not be included in the judging. Submissions will be judged on the criteria listed below. ***
- Evidence of research and scholarly exploration (30 points): Qualitative or quantitative research, multiple-point data to support arguments (versus anecdotal evidence), recommendations for best practices and professional development opportunities in relation to current professional literature.
- Variety of content (20 points): Research-based articles, articles related to teaching practice, teaching stories, affiliate news, book reviews, poetry, and coverage of important issues in English language arts education.
- Effective writing (20 points): Well-organized, well-supported, clear purpose, engaging voice, fluent, free of convention errors.
- Professional graphics (20 points): Formatting aids the reader in locating information, e.g. a readable and attractive design, appropriate cover art, clean typography for body copy and headlines. Graphics artfully organize the space, guide the reader's eye, enhancing the presentation of ideas and information, e.g. photos of affiliate events, speakers at conferences, columnists, student and teacher award winners.
- Appeal to different teaching assignments (e.g. grade levels, experience) within affiliate (10 points).
Deadlines: Four copies of one issue of the affiliate's journal and the completed Affiliate Journal Award Submission Form must be postmarked and mailed to the participating SCOA Representative (Steve Hubbard, 703 S Three Notch St, Andalusia, AL 36420-4412) no later than May 1 of year of award. The award winning affiliate(s) will be notified in late summer so that they may have a representative present to receive the award at the NCTE Annual Convention Affiliate Breakfast. This representative is expected to purchase a breakfast ticket with conference preregistration.
Administration: The Standing Committee on Affiliates will administer the award. The Standing Committee on Affiliates will appoint a member to handle the judging and the award's specifics. The committee will also provide annual feedback on ways to improve the program so that it runs smoothly. The Division Director of Communications & Affiliate Services at NCTE will handle the initial publicity and notification to affiliates of the program.
Judging: Each Affiliate Journal Award Submission Form, plus one copy of the submitted journals will be independently evaluated by three judges. An average of the three judges' scores will constitute the score for the submission.
***Criteria was updated in 2005.
Copies of winning entries may be borrowed from the NCTE Affiliate Office through the lending library.