Submissions

Author Guidelines

All works published in the The Canadian Association of Language Assessment Conference Proceedings/ Actes de colloque de l'Association canadienne d'évaluation linguistique (CALACP/ACACÉL) will be based on papers and works in progress presented at our CALA/ACÉL conferences. Therefore, all presenters at our conference are invited to make submissions to this journal. Manuscripts based on paper presentations should be in the form of  extended abstracts while manuscripts based on works in progress have a flexible structure based on the project's stage of development. All submissions will be single-blind peer reviewed.

Guidelines For Extended Abstracts

Manuscripts should typically range between 2,000 and 3,000 words, excluding references. Submissions should include a brief abstract in both English and French (max 150 words each) and 3-5 keywords. Please note, if you only submit the abstract in one language we will translate it for you.

Manuscripts must provide a clear Introduction or Rationale outlining the background and significance of the research, followed by a statement of the research questions or objectives. Authors should concisely summarize the methods, results, and implications within the manuscript. Authors are encouraged to narrow the scope of their findings and analyses to the original conference talk, to allow for future publication of full-length articles here for an expedited review process based on the same study.  Extended abstracts will be evaluated based on their relevance to language assessment, clarity, originality, and contribution to the field.

Special Guidelines for Works in Progress

A separate Works in Progress (WIP) section of the proceedings will feature preliminary, exploratory, or developing research projects presented at the conference. Submissions may adopt a flexible structure suited to the project’s stage of development. Authors may include sections such as background, research aims, preliminary or planned methods, early findings, or anticipated outcomes.

This section encourages a variety of formats, from traditional papers (1,500- 2,000 words excluding references), posters (up to two A4 size pages), short videos (max 3 minutes MP4 only min 1080P), podcasts (5 minutes max) and other innovative formats that communicate ongoing or emergent research in language assessment. All submissions must be based on the WIP presented at one of the in person conferences, authored by you, and be publicly accessible. 

General Formatting Requirements

General Formatting

• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12 point throughout
• Line Spacing: 1.15
• Alignment: Left-aligned text
• Paragraph Indentation: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
• Page Size: Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Page Numbers: Footer, right-aligned

2. Headings
   Follow APA 7th edition heading levels (maximum 4). Use bold, title case, and maintain a clear hierarchy.
3. Tables and Figures
   Embed tables and figures near their first mention. Number sequentially (Table 1, Table 2; Figure 1, Figure 2). Provide clear, concise titles above tables and below figures. Ensure a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Do not submit tables or figures as separate files.
4. Third-party Copyright ClearanceAuthors are responsible for obtaining written permission to reproduce any third-party copyrighted material included in their submission (including test materials, figures, tables, images, and substantial text excerpts). Documentation of permissions must be provided upon request, and all reproduced material must be attributed appropriately.

5. References
   Follow APA 7th edition style. Include DOIs in active hyperlink format where available. Apply a hanging indent of 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Ensure all in-text citations appear in the reference list and vice versa.
6. Language and Style
   Manuscripts may be submitted in English or French. Use formal academic language and avoid contractions. Ensure consistent Canadian spelling for English manuscripts. Define acronyms on first use and check grammar, punctuation, and style before submission.
7. File Naming and Format
   Submit manuscripts as .docx files. The filename should follow this format:
   LastName_ShortTitle_CALACP_YEAR.docx
   Example: Smith_NSBenchmarking_CALACP_2026.docx

For Posters and Other Media

Please email all inquiries and files to the managing editor at  cjla-rcel@msvu.ca

Review Process 

The journal employs a single blind peer-review process. Reviewers remain anonymous to the authors, but author identities are visible to reviewers. Authors should therefore include their names and affiliations in their submissions.

Possible review outcomes include:

• Acceptance as is or with minor revisions
• Invitation to revise and resubmit
• Rejection

Authors invited to revise and resubmit should understand this indicates potential for publication pending satisfactory revision. Not all revised manuscripts are accepted.