Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, we find that similar questions come up from year to year. These are some of those questions answered.
Why is it such a long day?
CHD staff and volunteers are committed to running equitable and educational contests. CHD follows National History Day guidelines on judging time slots for each category. We endeavor to run the contests in as timely a manner as possible. It may seem to the audience that nothing is happening, but that is not the case. Judges need time to discuss student projects and provide thoughtful feedback. Behind the scenes the last hour before the Awards Ceremony is extremely busy as staff ensures that all evaluation forms have been appropriately completed, results tabulated, and we are ready to hand out awards.
CHD staff understands that it is a long day for students, parents and teachers. Throughout the day, several activities are offered. Additionally, it is not a requirement that students stay for the Awards Ceremony, so if they need to leave that is fine.
Why does the Regional Contest season last so long?
There are six Regional Contests in Connecticut. Traditionally, contests are held on Saturdays, though in future years we may try and hold a contest on a Sunday. Holding a contest on a Saturday makes it easier for the hundreds of judges to volunteer, since it won’t interfere with work schedules.
Sometimes students will complain about their contest being early/ late in the season. There are always pros and cons to each situation. Students should keep in mind that all of the students at their contest are in the same boat!
How are judges prepared to review student projects?
CHD staff and volunteers take the responsibility of running contests very seriously. Contest judges are volunteers who spend the day reviewing projects, writing comments and meeting students. They are often museum professionals, teachers, college professors, or librarians. Before the Contest, judges receive material (including the 2020 NHD Theme Sheet, category judging instructions, etc.) to review. On the day of the Contest, judges attend a 45-minute training session led by the State Coordinator. Judges work together in teams of 2-3 to review projects and chose the top finishers. An experienced judge serves as the team captain.
What should my child do with the evaluation forms?
CHD is an academic program and our goal is for all participants (whether or not they win a prize) to benefit from the experience. The intent of the evaluation forms is to help students understand what they did well and what could be improved. If your child qualifies for the State Contest, he/she should use the judges’ comments to continue to improve their project. Each new contest is a fresh start, with judges reviewing the project for the first time.
Why does it seem that judging at the State Contest is harder than at Regionals?
Regional Contest judges know that this is the first time judges are reviewing student projects. Their role is to assist students in learning from the experience.
Students participating in the State Contest are the top finishers in each of the Regional Contest. Like any other competition, the quality of work and the competitiveness increases through each level of competition. Consequently judges at the State level are more critical in their reviews of projects.
State judges do not receive student evaluations from the Regional level because each contest is a fresh start. Students are encouraged to continue to work on their project through each level of competition, so it is important each set of judges reviewing a project do so with fresh eyes.
Every judge in Connecticut (whether at a Regional or State Contest) receive the same training. CHD projects are not time trials, so reviewing CHD projects does involve some level of subjectivity.
I have questions/ concerns about the judging.
We encourage students, parents or teachers to bring questions or concerns to CHD staff. If the question arises in the midst of a Contest, go to the Judges Room and ask to speak to the State Coordinator.
Following the Contest, all questions can be addressed to the State Coordinator by letter at 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Please note that questions need to be raised in a civil manner and that inappropriate behavior towards staff and volunteers will not be tolerated.
Why is it such a long day?
CHD staff and volunteers are committed to running equitable and educational contests. CHD follows National History Day guidelines on judging time slots for each category. We endeavor to run the contests in as timely a manner as possible. It may seem to the audience that nothing is happening, but that is not the case. Judges need time to discuss student projects and provide thoughtful feedback. Behind the scenes the last hour before the Awards Ceremony is extremely busy as staff ensures that all evaluation forms have been appropriately completed, results tabulated, and we are ready to hand out awards.
CHD staff understands that it is a long day for students, parents and teachers. Throughout the day, several activities are offered. Additionally, it is not a requirement that students stay for the Awards Ceremony, so if they need to leave that is fine.
Why does the Regional Contest season last so long?
There are six Regional Contests in Connecticut. Traditionally, contests are held on Saturdays, though in future years we may try and hold a contest on a Sunday. Holding a contest on a Saturday makes it easier for the hundreds of judges to volunteer, since it won’t interfere with work schedules.
Sometimes students will complain about their contest being early/ late in the season. There are always pros and cons to each situation. Students should keep in mind that all of the students at their contest are in the same boat!
How are judges prepared to review student projects?
CHD staff and volunteers take the responsibility of running contests very seriously. Contest judges are volunteers who spend the day reviewing projects, writing comments and meeting students. They are often museum professionals, teachers, college professors, or librarians. Before the Contest, judges receive material (including the 2020 NHD Theme Sheet, category judging instructions, etc.) to review. On the day of the Contest, judges attend a 45-minute training session led by the State Coordinator. Judges work together in teams of 2-3 to review projects and chose the top finishers. An experienced judge serves as the team captain.
What should my child do with the evaluation forms?
CHD is an academic program and our goal is for all participants (whether or not they win a prize) to benefit from the experience. The intent of the evaluation forms is to help students understand what they did well and what could be improved. If your child qualifies for the State Contest, he/she should use the judges’ comments to continue to improve their project. Each new contest is a fresh start, with judges reviewing the project for the first time.
Why does it seem that judging at the State Contest is harder than at Regionals?
Regional Contest judges know that this is the first time judges are reviewing student projects. Their role is to assist students in learning from the experience.
Students participating in the State Contest are the top finishers in each of the Regional Contest. Like any other competition, the quality of work and the competitiveness increases through each level of competition. Consequently judges at the State level are more critical in their reviews of projects.
State judges do not receive student evaluations from the Regional level because each contest is a fresh start. Students are encouraged to continue to work on their project through each level of competition, so it is important each set of judges reviewing a project do so with fresh eyes.
Every judge in Connecticut (whether at a Regional or State Contest) receive the same training. CHD projects are not time trials, so reviewing CHD projects does involve some level of subjectivity.
I have questions/ concerns about the judging.
We encourage students, parents or teachers to bring questions or concerns to CHD staff. If the question arises in the midst of a Contest, go to the Judges Room and ask to speak to the State Coordinator.
Following the Contest, all questions can be addressed to the State Coordinator by letter at 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Please note that questions need to be raised in a civil manner and that inappropriate behavior towards staff and volunteers will not be tolerated.