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Phi Delta Kappan, the professional journal for education, addresses policy issues for educators at all levels. An advocate for research-based school reform, the Kappan provides a forum for debate on controversial subjects. The annual PDK/Gallup Poll is published in September. Published since1915, the journal appears monthly September -- June. A volume index is published in the June issue. The Kappan is also indexed in Education Index and in Current Index to Journals in Education; available on microfilm, University Microfilms, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich. |
Following are brief answers to the more common questions asked by persons interested in publishing in the Phi Delta Kappan.
What makes an article
acceptable to the editors?
We look primarily for two qualities: educational significance
and readability. There is no easy formula for achieving these
goals, since there are many kinds of significance and many different
styles that are readable. However, we believe that to be significant
an article must in some way be usable by our readers -- to enlarge
their knowledge, to improve their practice, to influence their
decisions. We want it to deal with real problems. We want it to
be factual, logical, and well focused. To be readable, it should
avoid the use of jargon, it should include concrete examples,
it should not waste words, and it should display -- if at all
possible -- some wit and erudition.
What are the procedures
for submission of manuscripts?
Very simple: type your manuscript, double-spaced, and send one
copy to the editor. If YOU want your manuscript to be returned
if it cannot be published, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
In your cover letter, give us sufficient information about yourself
for a standard author-identification paragraph.
If you wish, send a letter of inquiry first, describing the article
and perhaps including an outline. We must balance our coverage;
sometimes we can tell you, on the basis of an outline, whether
an article will fit in with our editorial plans.
Who makes the decision
to publish?
The editor. Usually he will consult with the other editors or
with other members of the Phi Delta Kappa International professional
staff. Sometimes, if he is undecided, he will solicit the opinions
of one or more of the editorial consultants listed on the KAPPAN
masthead.
What is the ideal length?
We like some very short pieces. For example, the manuscripts we
use in the Prototypes section and our occasional humorous pieces
tend to run 1,000 words or less in length. Feature articles vary
between 1,500 and 5,000 words.
What editorial style is
used?
KAPPAN style is based largely on the University of Chicago Manual
of Style. For footnote style, see past issues of the KAPPAN.
What about diagrams, tables,
graphs, photographs?
We use graphic material quite sparingly. The rare diagram, table,
or graph that we find indispensable will be reset to our specifications.
We will consider photographs, either black and white or in color,
but they should be of professional quality. Amateur photography
is seldom usable.
Do you pay for manuscripts?
Very seldom. Usually we pay an honorarium only when we solicit
an article from a well-known authority or from a professional
writer.
How can I contribute to
one of the special sections?
Special sections are generally planned by the editors and/or a
guest editor many months in advance, and most of the articles
are solicited from individuals who have published original work
on the topic. We do not announce special sections in advance,
largely because we wish to preserve some flexibility. But special
sections never fill entire issues; thus we are always seeking
good manuscripts on a variety of topics.
Who holds copyright on
KAPPAN articles?
Phi Delta Kappa International, Inc., generally does. Each issue
is fully copyrighted. But an author may give permission for one-time
use and retain all other rights.
How long does it take
for the editors to make a decision?
We acknowledge all unsolicited manuscripts immediately upon receipt.
We try not to hold a manuscript longer than two months without
returning it, accepting it, or in some way communicating with
the author. But in the months when more than 100 unsolicited manuscripts
come in, we sometimes fall behind schedule. If two months pass
and you have not heard from us, please feel free to phone our
office.
Please submit manuscripts
to:
BRUCE M. SMITH,
Editor
408 N. Union, P.O. Box 789
Bloomington, IN 47402-0789
Phone: 812/339-1156
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