AfterSchool of Thought
Welcome to the "AfterSchool of Thought," a blog series for those with products and offerings for afterschool programs and the professionals who work in the field.
Children categories
STEM Gems (1)
STEM Gems are short discovery-based experiences. They involve little or no materials and may be easily implemented by educators who are not STEM specialists. Each STEM Gem is designed to engage young people in active experiential learning. The activities begin by setting up connections to prior knowledge, then a hands on activity provides new concepts and the opportunity to design experiments to answer any questions the kids discover. Finally, a connection to a different scenario for the concept is provided to help cement and evaluate the learning.
STEM Gems are experiences designed to be used with kids of all ages. Younger children should be focused on one idea or concept and should perform the activity as a collective group with prompts and directions from the teacher. With older youth, the teacher should act as a facilitator. The older youth should be set up to work independently in small teams and encouraged to ask questions and try out their own experiments to answer them. Each team should report back on their findings, so a consensus around the concept is reached.
Each STEM Gem is presented in an easy to follow lesson plan:
Big Ideas and Science Talk
Central concepts and key words to give the adult the science background for the experience.
Engage
Open ended questions to stimulate discussion and generate connections to prior knowledge.
What You Will Need
A list of the materials.
Before You Begin
The preparation needed for the activity.
Explore and Experiment
The directions for the experience designed using open ended questions that focus the children on discovering answers.
Make the Connection and Extend and Evaluate
Connections to other scenarios that use the same concepts and related question(s) or additional activity to evaluate knowledge.
STEM Gems are available to members only. Login to access STEM Gems.
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Core Knowledge and Competencies
The Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Out-of-School Time Professionals (CKSCs) outline what professionals who work with and for youth need to know, show, and grow to positively impact young people and the field. The CKSCs can be used across organizations, programs, and funding streams to define what it takes to work with and for children and youth. They can also guide the development of compensation structures, inclusive and culturally responsive hiring practices, professional development (PD) and PD plans, career pathways, credentials and qualifications, and mechanisms for demonstrating and assessing practitioner’s skills.
We want your stories about BOLD afterschool leaders and programs – Submit today!
As NAA celebrates its 30th Anniversary at the upcoming 2018 Annual Convention, NAA President & CEO Gina Warner will reflect on the history of NAA and the afterschool field. Her keynote will also include stories of BOLD afterschool leaders and programs. Who do you know who has been an inspiration to the field?
JOIN US AT THE NAA 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION
Gina Warner
President and CEO, National AfterSchool Association
Gina Warner is president and CEO of the National AfterSchool Association (NAA). Gina began her afterschool career as a teen in 4-H programs in rural Alabama, and has continued to work at the intersection of education, youth development, public policy, and non-profit leadership throughout her career. She relies on her experience as a classroom teacher, an attorney, a U.S. Senate staffer, and a citywide out-of-school time leader to guide her work. As the leader of NAA, Gina works to meet the needs of both emerging and experienced afterschool professionals through enhanced training and development, increased communication, outreach, and membership engagement.
2018 Exhibit Listing
Shouldn't your organization be listed here?
Presenter FAQs
Proposal Submission, Review and Selection
When will the Call for Presenters Open?
The Call For Presenters is open September 4 - October 14, 2019. Download the Educational Session Proposal Template to plan out your proposal. When you’re ready, submit it via the Presenter Portal.
When will the Call for Presenters informational webinar take place?
The Call for Presenters informational webinar will take place on Wednesday, September 18th at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT. You can register here.
How many sessions do you plan to accept?
Due to space and schedule, we are anticipating accepting up to:
- 70 workshops and panels
- 40 sparks
- 20 leadership intensives
- 5 community showcase presentations
Proposals are only accepted through the Presenter Portal. Submit your proposal by 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, October 14, 2019. We do not accept proposals via email and can not extend the deadline.
What presentation formats are offered at NAA Convention 2020?
There are five educational session formats available at NAA Convention 2020:
- Workshop (60 minutes) – These sessions are interactive with hands-on learning experiences, discussions, and activities that involve participants.
- Panel (60 minutes) – These sessions feature up to three panelists and a moderator who share insights and different perspectives on a specific topic. Panels should allow for at least 15 minutes of audience Q&A throughout your presentation.
- Spark (30 minutes) – These are quick informational sessions with key takeaways, a short lecture, or a TED Talk-style presentation. Held at the end of the day, every day, no Q&A is required for these short sessions.
- Leadership Intensive (2 hours) – Intended to be focused on leadership and professional development, these sessions take a deep dive into a topic and should be led by experienced trainers and leaders.
- Community Showcase (15 mins or less) – Our version of TED talks! A brief 5-15 min prepared presentation with a clear story arc, delivered from the main stage to our full audience of 1,500 participants during a general session. We’re seeking to highlight inspiration, takeaways, and innovations from our community. Finalists will be determined in the CFP process, with a second round of selection taking place November through January, where you’ll be invited to submit a video pitch.
What are your presenter requirements?
Presenter requirements:
- Before submitting a proposal to present, please ensure you are available to present at any point during March 15-18, 2020. Breakout sessions will be hosted on all conference dates.
- If selected to present you will be required to confirm you plans to present by November 26, 2019.
- If selected, you must pay for conference registration by January 15, 2020. Lead presenters are given a $200 discount off of registration fees, but co-presenters, panelists, and other speakers are not offered a discount.
- You will be notified if your proposal is accepted by November 16. If selected, we’ll share your exact presentation date and time in December. Presenters not registered by January 15, 2020 will have their session(s) cancelled.
I’ve submitted my session proposal. When will I hear if my session was accepted?
We will contact all submitters and presenters via email on Friday, November 16, 2019 with the status of your proposal (accepted, alternate, or declined).
I received an email that my session proposal is being considered as an alternate. What does that mean?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept all session proposals to be included in NAA Convention 2020, and there are some that we consider as alternates in the event that we need additional sessions or have cancellations. We will contact all submitters and presenters of alternate sessions with the final status of your session by the end of January 2020.
Do presenters receive a discounted rate for registration?
Yes, lead presenters receive a $200 discount off of registration fees. We are not able to offer the discount to co-presenters, panelists, or facilitators.
Exhibitor Sessions
My session will include a product or service available to Convention participants. Do I need to also purchase exhibit space in the Learning Expo?
If you will be demonstrating or sharing products or services for purchase by participants, you will need to purchase exhibit space in the Learning Expo in order to have your proposal considered. We have a select number of sessions set aside for exhibitors, but it is still a competitive process and workshop content will be considered.
If you will be sharing free products or services, we encourage you to purchase exhibit space in the Learning Expo to reach the breadth of Convention participants. Either way, your proposal will be considered as part of the competitive review process and there is a chance you may be asked to purchase an exhibit space in order for your proposal to be accepted.
Can exhibitors present sessions?
Yes! We have a select number of sessions set aside for exhibitors, but it is still a competitive process that we take seriously, based on the quality of your session proposal.
If you are an exhibitor and would like to still submit a session proposal, please contact our Exhibitors and Sponsorships Team at exhibit-sponsor@naaweb.org.
Confirmed exhibitors are welcome to submit their session ideas through the call for proposals. There is a question in the form that asks if you are sharing products or services for purchase or for free. Please make sure to answer that question accurately. If you have a product for purchase, you will need to purchase exhibit space in the Learning Expo in order to have your proposal considered.
I am an exhibitor and I have already submitted a session proposal. When will I hear back about the status of my proposal?
Exhibitor sessions are reviewed separately as part of the exhibitor track. We will confirm all exhibitor sessions by the end of January.
Submitting a Session Proposal
The Call for Presenters is open September 4 – October 14, 2019!
Download the Educational Session Proposal Template to plan out your proposal. When you’re ready, submit it via the Presenter Portal. Submit your proposal by 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, October 14, 2019. We do not accept proposals via email and can not extend the deadline.
What are some general tips and reminders for creating a competitive educational session proposal?
See some of our top tips below.
- Use complete sentences in your proposal. This will help proposal reviewers and participants gain a clearer picture of what you plan to share and do in your session.
- Write a title and description that are accurate, compelling, and would draw an audience. If your session is accepted, this information will be printed in the program book. This is how participants will decide if they wish to join your session. When you read your title and session description, would you be interested in attending?
- Incorporate interactive components into your session. Participants aren’t likely to want to sit through a lecture – they want to work with and learn from each other. Consider ways to break up your session with activities, pair-and-shares, group discussions, and hands-on learning experiences. If you are doing a panel, remember to also leave time for audience Q&A.
- Identify the right audience experience level for your session. Participants should feel like they are learning something new, working toward advancing to the next level in their careers, and are continually engaged during a session. Review the content levels below to determine which level your session best aligns with.
- The maximum number of presenters for each session is four: one lead presenter (who will serve as the main contact for the session) and up to three co-presenters. We recommend no more than two total presenters to maximize your time and simplify planning.
- Presenting at Convention is an excellent opportunity to highlight the important work you do and a great learning opportunity. Consider what you do well that can be taught to others. The goal is to replicate success and build capacity for the field!
Will I be able to edit my session proposal once I’ve submitted it?
Yes! You can log back in and edit your proposal any time between September 4 – October 14. We close the platform at 11:59pm PT on October 14, so make sure to fully complete your proposal and finish any editing before midnight.
I’ve never presented before. Can I still submit a session proposal?
Yes! We encourage staff of all levels of experience to submit a proposal. It takes a lot of work to present at Convention, but it’s an excellent opportunity to highlight the important work you do, gain valuable leadership experience, and build the afterschool profession.
Please note that two-hour leadership intensives are intended to be led by experienced trainers and leaders.
I can only present on a specific day during Convention. Can I still submit a proposal?
All potential presenters should plan to attend all of Convention, and be prepared to present on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. If accepted, we’ll share your exact presentation date and time in December. If you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact presentation managers at Presenters@naaweb.org.
Where can I learn more about NAA’s Core Knowledge and Competencies (CKCs)?
Click here to learn more about NAA’s CKCs.
Question not covered here? Contact our presentation managers at Presenters@naaweb.org.
What’s New for NAA Convention 2020
Community Showcase
We have a brand-new type of session for NAA Convention 2020!
The Community Showcase format is our version of TED talks. These brief 5-15 min prepared presentations will have a clear story arc, a compelling message and dynamic delivery and will be given from the main stage to our full audience of 2,000 participants during a general session. We’re seeking to highlight inspiration, takeaways, and innovations from our community.
Submit a proposal to be a part of the first-ever Community Showcase:
- Create a compelling proposal that gives us a sense of your narrative style and key takeaways from your talk
- Submit your proposal via our Presenter Portal (Choose “Community Showcase” as your presentation format)
- A pool of finalists will be determined in the CFP process
- Finalists will be invited to submit a video pitch in November
- Community Showcase presentations will be chosen in December
NAA Seeks Honorees for the 2018 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders!
Do you know someone, under the age of 30, who is an afterschool champion and a believer in the power of afterschool? Someone who is starting to design programs, professional development and other contributions that will influence their programs and organizations—with the potential to provide broad and long-term impact?
Join us for a brief webinar that will explain more about NAA's 2018 Next Generation of Afterschool and the application and selection process.
NOMINATE TODAY! WATCH RECORDING
September 14, 2017
12:00PM EDT
Hosted by Gina Warner, President & CEO of NAA
Hy Schwartz, Co-President of S&S Worldwide
NAA Seeks Candidates for National Board of Directors
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), a professional membership organization governed by a Board of Directors, is seeking candidates to fill open board positions beginning July 2017. The primary focus of this year’s board applications is on leaders whose work and professional expertise can further the goals of NAA.
NAA Board Priorities
- NAA's mission is to be the voice of the afterschool profession dedicated to the development, education and care of children and youth during their out of school hours.
- The core purpose of NAA is to serve the afterschool professional.
- NAA demonstrates a strong commitment to a strategic plan, continuous improvement and further developing a strong organization committed to purpose, action, analysis, and feedback. NAA focuses on growing and creating leadership and professional development opportunities for its members and the afterschool field.
- NAA’s strategic framework has three elements:
- Improving program quality by DEVELOPING & EQUIPPING PROFESSIONALS
- CONNECTING AND GROWING the field of programs and providers
- BRIDGING RESEARCH, POLICY & PRACTICE to strengthen the profession
The National Board believes that all board members, present and future, must:
- understand and value the vital role afterschool professionals play in the development of healthy young people;
- advocate articulately for NAA and its vision;
- advance NAA’s mission, vision, and goals by extending personal and professional credibility, expertise, and leadership to the organization; and
- think broadly and strategically about the role of afterschool and of NAA.
NAA Board Candidate Qualifications
NAA is committed to creating a diverse board of leaders from a broad spectrum of organizations and agencies. Appointed members are chosen by the Board to reflect a broad knowledge and awareness of the issues facing the Association. Candidates for election are chosen for their ability to objectively consider a variety of perspectives inherent in decisions affecting the Association's future, not to represent a group, region, or interest.
Candidates:
- are selected based on their ability to demonstrate strong leadership, commitment, and connections to the field.
- must be qualified to consider the perspectives, challenges, and choices inherent in the decisions affecting the Association's future.
- are expected to possess a broad experience in non-profit association management, leadership skills, and expert knowledge of the field.
- must be Executive members of NAA.
NAA's election process seeks to recruit and elect qualified leaders who will further our commitment to our mission and excellence in the afterschool profession. The Board is particularly interested in maintaining a diverse perspective and individuals who have influence within their professional circles.
These qualifications are designed to ensure that elected Board members are prepared to fulfill their designated responsibilities, including:
- exercising fiduciary responsibilities and stewardship with regard to NAA's goals, policies, and allocation of resources;
- contributing to a policy development that provides leadership for the Association with a focus on mission;
- identifying and cultivating future association leaders; and
- serving on committees and panels and being available for work with partner organizations.
In addition, NAA continues to seek applications from individuals who have a commitment to the afterschool profession and interest in serving on the national board. Candidates should:
- have highly developed oral and written communication skills and be able to use or learn to use a variety of social media and work collaboration applications.
- be a “big picture” individual with the ability to grasp the nature of governance and operations of a complex, multi-faceted, intermediary, national organization;
- be a problem solver: adept at spotting issues, considering courses of action, developing a sense of pros and cons of various options, and reaching decisions;
- be self-confident, yet collaborative in spirit;
- be accustomed to dealing professionally with individuals of high achievement in a range of professions and activities;
- be a self-starter. He or she should take the initiative when appropriate to make contributions to the Board and not always be in a passive mode; and
- be committed to the board process, willing to attend and participate in meetings and conference calls.
NAA Board Time and Financial Commitments
Board members are both elected and appointed for a three-year term. An additional (optional) three-year term is available to board members upon approval of the Board. In-person meetings are held prior to the NAA Annual Convention, with video or audio conference calls four to six times a year. Board business may be conducted by e-mail, shared drives, conference calls, or additional meetings. Most board members may also be asked to serve on a board committees or task forces. Board members are expected to support 100% board giving with a personal financial contribution. While board members do not receive compensation for their service, travel and other related expenses associated with Board service are reimbursed by NAA. In addition, candidates must be able to make the necessary commitment of time and other resources to serve effectively as a board member and to serve as effective representatives for the Association.
NAA Board Applications and Elections Process
Candidates interested in serving on the NAA National Board of Directors should use this planning document to answer the application questions. Candidates need a professional headshot, up-to-date resume, two references that support the application, and record a short (less than two minutes) campaign video.
Interested candidates should complete the online application including a headshot, resume and campaign video URL no later than May 18, 2017.
A board member committee will review applications to determine the eligibility of potential candidates. After candidates are identified and screened, the nominating committee recommends a slate of qualified candidates for approval by the full Board. Potential candidates will be contacted with their application status during the week of May 22, 2017. The election will be held between June 5 and 16, 2017. Current NAA Executive, Ambassador, and Advocate members are eligible to vote. The two candidates receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to the board and will begin their board service in July 2017.
NAA Board Applications are now closed.
Showcase Skills Through Micro-Credential Digital Badges!
Micro-credential badges are a digital form of certification that recognize professionals for demonstrating skills and competencies in specific content areas. Since 2015, the National Afterschool Association has been working on developing a national professional development and recognition system that recognizes afterschool STEM facilitation skills through micro-credential digital badging. In this system, professionals earn badges by completing specific points of evidence that demonstrate skill knowledge and competency.
The Value of Digital Badges for Professionals
In afterschool, we often reference anytime, anywhere learning for young people and this same concept applies to professional development for adults. Digital badges help professionals demonstrate a breadth of learning outside of formal degree programs. They are valuable to earners because they show a non-traditional pathway of accomplishment and skill development that may not otherwise be recognized. Additional value of digital badges for professionals include:
- Digital badges motivate on-going skill development by providing verifiable credentials that recognize achievements and competency.
- Digital badges can help learners connect with potential employers.
- Digital badges help professionals transfer their on-the-job learning across positions and organizations.
The Value of Digital Badges for Employers
- Digital badges provide employers with information about employee skills through access to metadata including who issued the badge and the assessments and points of evidence that were submitted to achieve the badge.
- Digital badges are stackable so they may be used to demonstrate multiple achievements and highlight the specific competencies for which employers are looking.
Stay tuned for additional NAA micro-credentials, focusing on a variety of afterschool facilitation techniques in language and literacy, digital literacy, healthy eating and physical activity, leadership and more!
References and Resources
The Potential and Value of Using Digital Badges for Adult Learners
Digital Badges Give Learners a Competitive Edge in Hiring and Career Advancement
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