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Reviewer Guidelines

The mission of the ConSTEllations journal is to provide research-based, real-world advice and resources to teachers, from teachers. The goal is to present best-practices in math and science instruction clearly, succinctly, and in a format teachers can immediately implement in a classroom. Submissions should describe pedagogy, curriculum, or assessment ideas shown to be effective through recent implementation.

Each submission to the ConSTEllations journal will consist of three parts: a Manuscript, Resources, and Video. An initial submission is to be created with the Manuscript and Resources for peer-review. Once the manuscript has been approved for publication, the author will be instructed to submit their video. This will ensure blind-review for the initial process.

The reviewers are to evaluate the content, structure, and relevance of the submission as a whole using the journal rubric. Each submission will be reviewed by three reviewers. Each reviewer will be provided a copy of the full submission as well as a fillable PDF of the rubric, which reviewers will submit as part of their report. Authors will be provided feedback based on the reviews and directed to Revise and Resubmit if they choose. Submissions will only be Rejected if the author(s) fails to follow the required structure (i.e. no resources and/or no manuscript). Upon Resubmission, a member of the Editorial Board will view the video and determine if the written submission is suitable for publication or if another round of revisions are necessary. The author will be given one additional opportunity to Revise and Resubmit if needed or will receive notification their submission has been Accepted.

Reviewers should complete the initial review of the submission within 2 months of receiving the documents. Authors will be given a final submission deadline to Revise and Resubmit. If they miss the deadline, they will be notified their submission may be reconsidered during the following publication cycle.

Content and Relevance Rubrics (2)

Overall Content Rubric
Minimal Adequate Exceptional
Math and/or Science Practices Reflects traditional practices in math/science instruction Reflects current best-practices in math/science instruction Reflects innovative practices in math/science instruction
Practitioner- based The information is either too research-driven or too vague to be transferred to another classroom if desired. The information provided is clearly aimed at teachers but will require some additional work to apply in another classroom Sufficient guidance is provided so the content would be easily transferable to another teacher’s classroom
Standards-driven Has a vague connection to current math and/or science standards Relates to at least one current math and/or science standard Addresses current math and/or science standards in meaningful and engaging ways
Considerations of Equity Does not address any equity considerations Provides some guidance for accommodations/ modifications as relevant Provides meaningful guidance on equity in terms of disabilities, poverty, culture, language, etc…
Overall Relevance Rubric
Minimal Adequate Exceptional
Relevance Adds little to existing knowledge Builds upon existing pedagogy or curriculum. Strong connection to current trends in education, demonstrates an understanding of current research and innovations

Structure Rubrics (3)

Manuscript
Minimal Adequate Exceptional
Length and Format Much too long/short, not submitted as Google Doc Follows all Submission guidelines Well structured, with strong visuals and word choice
Writing Writing lacks clarity or flow Writing is clear and understandable Writing is clear and concise and well crafted to engage the reader
APA Style Contains major APA errors within document or in citations Contains minor APA errors Contains no APA errors
Resource
Minimal Adequate Exceptional
Length and Format Is not an original work, not submitted as Google Doc Follows all Submission guidelines Well structured and creative
Writing Does not add value to the submission (i.e. just a re-read of the manuscript) Provides additional guidance/clarity to the reader A valuable addition to the manuscript that supports further understanding
Video (for the Editors)
Minimal Adequate Exceptional
Length and Format Much too long/short, not submitted as Google Doc Follows all Submission guidelines Well structured and creative
Writing Does not add value to the submission (i.e. just a re-read of the manuscript) Provides additional guidance/clarity to the reader A valuable addition to the manuscript that supports further understanding