last updated january 2024

DLF Forum Conference Session Evaluation Rubric

How this rubric is used: Team DLF releases a Call for Proposals (CFP) for the DLF Forum or other events such as Learn@DLF. Submissions in response to our call are peer-reviewed. Reviewers use this rubric to rate each proposal based on the values listed in our call. 

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The Rubric

The rubric is based on the following categories: Originality (20%), Relevance (20%), Diversity and Inclusion (20%), Overall Quality (20%), Reviewer’s Recommendation (20%).

Adapted from the National Recreation and Park Association Conference Session Evaluation Rubric.

Originality — 20%

The Planning Committee strives to continually present unique and exciting programs that reflect our dynamic community in an accessible way that engages participants and facilitates learning.

5

5: Excellent

The session proposal contains highly original approaches to or new perspectives toward programming and/or topics that reflect the DLF community. Session format is informative and includes multiple ways for participants to engage.

4

4: Good

The session proposal contains some original approach and perspectives reflecting the DLF community while addressing content that has been covered in other ways in the past. The session has multiple elements of engagement.

3

3: Competent

The session proposal addresses content that is expected and needed at the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF in a manner that is fitting and expected for that content within DLF standards and has at least one element of engagement.

2

2: Needs Improvement

The session proposal may be appropriate for the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF, but with some alteration to provide a unique and original stance with no elements of engagement. (i.e., The same session was delivered elsewhere but may be good if a different approach is taken).

1

1: Not Original

The session proposal demonstrates content that has been covered at length, has been presented on before by the listed speakers, or does not meet the suggested standards of a DLF Forum / Learn@DLF session.

Relevance – 20%

DLF seeks sessions that are of great interest to prospective attendees and clearly benefit the professional needs of the DLF community. The topic is important to the field and the communities we serve and is timely. 

5

5: Excellent

This session proposal represents forward-looking content that reflects emerging trends and current needs of the profession, the communities we serve, and is timely.

4

4: Good

The session proposal demonstrates content that is timely and relevant to the profession and the communities we serve and includes either an emerging trend OR current need.

3

3: Competent

The session proposal demonstrates content that is relevant to the audience but may perpetuate a topic area that has plenty of coverage.

2

2: Needs Improvement

The session topic may meet the audience, theme, and context of the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF with some adjustment.

1

1: Not Relevant

The session proposal is not relevant to the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF audience.

Diversity and Inclusion – 20%

The sharing of different perspectives and experiences, and ways to address and include them, are essential in creating equitable programs and developing policies and organizational practices. Sessions should address or be inclusive of multiple perspectives and how difference in needs can and should be addressed. 

5

5: Excellent

The proposal contains multiple diverse perspectives and experiences, and includes highly original approaches to address the difference of needs within the profession and provides examples of practical application.

4

4: Good

The session proposal demonstrates a few diverse perspectives and experiences, and includes somewhat original approaches to address the difference of needs within the profession.

3

3: Competent

The proposal contains at least one diverse perspective or experience, and includes approaches to address the difference of needs within the profession.

2

2: Needs Improvement

The proposal is a weak demonstration of different perspectives or approaches based on diverse experiences.

1

1: Not Relevant

The proposal does not include different perspectives or approaches based on diverse experiences.

Overall Quality – 20%

DLF is dedicated to ensuring that the programs at the DLF Forum and Learn@DLF meet the highest standards of excellence with sessions that are comprehensive where topic, intent, and learning outcomes are focused, well-presented, and thoughtfully articulated. 

5

5: Excellent

Strongly recommend this session. The quality of the proposal exceeds the highest standards of excellence for content delivery within the context of the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF.

4

4: Good

This proposal delivers a standard format and quality that has become expected of DLF Forum / Learn@DLF sessions.

3

3: Competent

The proposal is competent but may require some minor changes to be considered for the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF (i.e., Shorten title, session length, adjust methodology/learning outcomes).

2

2: Needs Improvement

This proposal requires adjustments if it is to be considered for the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF (i.e., Change or adjustment in speakers, topic approach, methodology).

1

1: Not Relevant

This proposal does not meet minimum standards for delivery at the DLF Forum / Learn@DLF.

Reviewer’s Recommendation – 20%

The reviewer’s recommendation for the inclusion of the proposal in the conference program.

5

5: Definitely accept

Very high quality.

4

4: Probably accept

Good quality.

3

3: Neutral

Borderline.

2

2: Probably reject

Poor quality.

1

1: Definitely reject

Of little merit or inappropriate for this conference.

About the reviewers

The DLF Forum is a practitioner-based event that would not be possible without thoughtful and engaged participation from our community.

Program Committee

Volunteers who comment on the call for proposals, review submissions, and help create the program based on submissions and peer reviews.

Reviewers

Volunteers from a variety of backgrounds who read and provide feedback on submitted proposals. Folks can elect to only serve as reviewers.

Learn how to join us

Interested in joining the program committee in the future?

Sign up for the DLF Forum newsletter to learn when our call for Planning Committee members. 

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