Program Proposal 2008

VATE Conference 2008: Suspending Our Disbelief: Truth in Fiction--Fiction in Truth, October 24-25, Roanoke, VA

In today’s global community, where the longest distance is that between an index finger and the send button on a computer, and where anyone can post practically anything on the Internet, how do we teach kids the fine line between truth and fiction? To what extent is nonfiction truth? And what elements of truth allow fiction to be realistic?

Clearly, critical thinking is an absolute for today’s children if they are to become critical consumers of the widely available and variant information in today’s global community. How do you help students to become these critical thinkers and consumers? What strategies do you use to help students evaluate resources, determine credibility of source, and to see past the words on the page? How do you teach students the significance of cultural context and author’s purpose and craft? In what ways do your students play with words, exploring the nuances of language? Indeed, how do you help students understand the duality of truth and fiction in everything?

Do you have a lesson or unit that brings to light the fiction in journalism, documentaries, web sites, or other nonfiction text? How do you incorporate aspects of technology to help kids see this fine line? What experiences allow students to find true elements in fiction? We seek proposals addressing this duality of story in all areas of language arts.

Deadline: June 20, 2008

Title:
First Name:
Middle Initial:
Last Name:
Institutional Affiliation:
Position and/or Title:
Mailing Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
E-mail:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
VATE Affiliate or School District:
Presenter and Co-presenters:
(Please include
professional titles,
institutional affiliations,
and e-mail addresses
of presenter [if not yourself]
and all co-presenters.)
Type of Presentation:
Strand(s) Addressed:
(Check all that apply.)

Young Adult Literature
Children's Literature
Historical Fiction
Writing
Poetry
Censorship
Traditional Literature
Multicultural Literature
Oral Communication
Differentiation
ESL/ESOL
Technology
Other (please describe):

Intended Audience:
(Check all that apply)

Elementary Grades
Middle Grades
Secondary Grades
College
Administrators
Alternative Education

Audiovisual Equipment Needed:
(Check all that apply)

Overhead Projector
TV/VCR
Screen
Internet Access
None
Note: VATE cannot provide LCD projectors, laptop computers, flip charts, markers,
or transparency sheets.

Session Description:
(Please provide the
following information:
1. Session Title,
2. Objectives,
3. Narrative Description
of Session,
4. Abstract [30-50 words
to be used in the
conference program.
5. Materials/resources
to be used)
Biographical Information:
(Please provide biographical
information no longer than
50 words for each
presenter listed in Presenters
and Co-presenters.
This will be read by
your session chair at
the beginning of your session.)

On behalf of the presenter(s) listed on this proposal, I understand I (we) must pre-register for the conference and be responsible for all conference registration fees and other expenditures for the 39th Annual Virginia Association of Teachers of English Conference to be held at the Wyndham Roanoke Airport on October 24, 25, and 26, 2008.

I agree to the above statement. I do not agree to the above statement.

We welcome all proposals and give each serious consideration. Please note the conference theme and ensure that your proposal addresses the theme. You are encouraged to submit your proposal early. As a professional, nonprofit organization, VATE cannot reimburse program participants for travel, hotel, or other conference expenses. All presenters must register for the conference.

If you have questions or concerns, check the FAQ's. If you have additional questions, contact Sandra Whitaker .

If you would prefer, fill out the paper proposal form, print it out, and mail to:

Sandra Whitaker, VATE President-Elect
6-12 Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator
Albemarle County Public Schools
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-296-5820

Fall Conference 08

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