Guidelines for Journal Submissions
Guidelines for Writers
The Quarterly Journal, PD 365’s flagship publication, is intended for everyone interested in PreK–12 education issues, including curriculum, instruction, supervision, and leadership. Each issue contains articles written by educators for educators. We particularly look for articles that inspire improved teaching and learning.
The Journal is known for its theme issues. The more appropriate an article is for a theme issue, the more likely it is we will be able to publish it. We also accept articles on non-theme-related topics if the subject is compelling and timely.
The editorial staff and publications committee make all decisions regarding publication. PD 365 reserves the right to reject material, whether solicited or otherwise if it lacks quality or timeliness. PD 365 offers no remuneration for articles.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Writing
PD 365 recognizes that authors may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of their writing process. However, all submitted work must reflect the author’s original thinking, voice, and professional expertise.
AI may be used to support idea generation, organization, or editing, but it should not replace the author’s role in developing content. Authors are responsible for ensuring that all submissions are accurate, original, and aligned with the journal’s standards for quality and authenticity.
If AI tools are used in a substantive way (e.g., drafting sections of text, generating examples, or significantly revising language), authors must disclose this use at the time of submission.
Disclosure of AI Use
Authors should include a brief statement at the end of the manuscript (before references) describing how AI was used. For example:
“The author used an AI-assisted writing tool to support initial brainstorming and editing. All content was reviewed, revised, and verified by the author.”
Citation of AI-Generated Content
If AI tools are used to generate specific content that is directly included in the manuscript (e.g., text, tables, or ideas beyond general editing), authors should cite the tool in accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines. A general format may include:
- Name of tool (e.g., ChatGPT)
- Developer (e.g., OpenAI)
- Date of use
- Description of prompt or purpose
- URL (if applicable)
Example (APA-style reference): OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (March 22 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
*Authors remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and appropriateness of any AI-assisted content. Submissions that rely heavily on generic, AI-generated language or lack a clear practitioner voice may not be accepted.
What We Look for in an Article
The best way to determine what kinds of articles we publish is to read our latest edition. Most published articles are between 1,000 and 1,500 words, are written in a conversational style, and cover topics that are useful for PreK–12 educators. These are some of the qualities we look for:
- Articles describing research-based solutions to current problems in education.
- Reasoned debate on controversial subjects.
- Opinion pieces that interweave experiences and ideas.
- Program descriptions (school, district, or state).
- Practical examples that illustrate key points.
- An emphasis on explaining and interpreting research results rather than on methodology.
- International contributions.
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We are not looking for term papers or reviews of literature, and we rarely publish conventional research reports. We cannot review drafts and usually do not find query letters helpful; we prefer to read the manuscript. We do not publish articles that have been previously published in print or electronic form. While your article is under review with us, we ask that you not submit it to another publication or post it on a website or blog—not even on your own. |
How to Prepare Your Article
- Double-space all copies and leave generous margins.
- Number all pages.
- Indicate the number of words in the manuscript, including references and figures.
- Include your name, address, phone number, short bio, and e-mail address on the cover sheet. We use the reference style outlined by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Cite references in the text like this (Jones, 2000) and list them in a bibliography at the end of the article. Please do not use footnotes or endnotes for references. For other matters of style, refer to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.).
- Also provide a headshot in PDF format.
*Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy of citations, quotations, figures, and facts.
How to Submit Your Article
Send your article as an attachment to an e-mail message, preferably as a Word document. Please do not paste the text into the e-mail message or link to a Google doc. Use the subject line "PD 365 Journal Article submission." You can expect an e-mail response verifying that we received your manuscript within a few days; an-email from the editor should follow once reviewed. If you discover a small error after submitting your manuscript, please do not send a correction; we can correct errors in the editing process.
What Happens Next
If your writing makes it through our first round of reviews, it enters the pool of articles on hand for a particular theme issue, or for use as a special topic. When we assemble a particular issue, we review all submissions that fit that issue's theme, as well as any nontheme-related submissions. We consider many factors, such as the balance of perspectives, locations, grade levels, and topics. All articles are tentative until we go to press. During the editing and layout process, we may have to make last-minute space adjustments and thus, very occasionally, must omit an article we had provisionally accepted. In such cases, we often are able to publish articles online. We will notify you if this happens with your article.
About Artwork and Photographs
We appreciate receiving any photographs and artwork related to your article. Digital photos must have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Send photographs and artwork only when we request them. Please include the name of the photographer or the source. And please add a note to explain photos and artwork, including the name and location of the school, if applicable. This information helps us when we write captions. Authors are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions to use any photographs or artwork they provide. Please send all photographs and artwork as separate attachments and not within the body of your article.
When Your Article Comes Out
- As soon as the edition is published, you are free to promote it wherever you like.
- PD 365 is committed to diversity. We encourage writers from diverse backgrounds to submit articles.
