Insights
America is…
“The one thing that I think is vital — our most important obligation,” Mark Goodman, former Executive Director of the Student Press Law Center and of the Center of Scholastic Journalism at Kent State University, said. “We HAVE to teach students that censorship is wrong, morally, educationally, journalistically, even when it cannot be avoided or…
Is the school board one of your beats? Part 3
Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 3 – How students can cover school boards like the pros This three-part blog has it all: an explanation of the need for good coverage of school board issues, the legal and ethical concerns for this reporting, and the writing skills to effectively…
Is the school board one of your beats? Part 2
Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 2 – What makes it challenging legally and ethically This three-part blog has it all: an explanation of the need for good coverage of school board issues, the legal and ethical concerns for this reporting, and the writing skills to effectively tell your…
Is the school board one of your beats? Part 1
Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 1 – Why covering school boards is important This three-part blog has it all: an explanation of the need for good coverage of school board issues, the legal and ethical concerns for this reporting, and the writing skills to effectively tell your audience…
Local media, local strength
By Stan Zoller Back in the 1970s, when newspapers reigned supreme, Time, Inc. considered buying two suburban Chicago weekly chains to create a suburban daily newspaper. A federal anti-trust suit ruled against Time’s effort and the plan was dropped – but not before Time executives started a campaign touting the idea. Part of their efforts…
What is the purpose of your student publication?
Developing student-led mission statements and a culture covering stories that matter can serve both school and local communities. By Tom McHale Many years ago, I was confronted by an angry parent after a long production meeting. She felt her daughter, an editor, spent too much time working on the paper. “This isn’t the New York…
Video series gives crash course in press rights issues
If you’re looking for a quick refresher on press rights issues, a potential class bellringer or something to spark discussions in class, check out this video series created by SPRC member Tripp Robbins. The series, which Robbins created for his MJE project, delves into issues from FERPA to hate speech to covering protests. Robbins worked…
New frontiers: Voting as speech
Overview In this lesson, students will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, voting rights and the First Amendment. By analyzing how AI can influence the democratic process, including voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation, students will also consider voting as a form of protected speech under the First Amendment. They will discuss whether restrictions on voting…
Free expression and us album: Music, the First Amendment and textual analysis
Overview This project integrates knowledge of the First Amendment with students’ favorite form of entertainment: music. Students will critically analyze song lyrics and themes, connecting them to First Amendment rights. They will work in groups to create an “album” that teaches others about freedom of speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly, demonstrating their comprehension through…
12 ways to teach the 2024 election with The New York Times
The New York Times offers engaging, adaptable strategies to help educators explore the 2024 election with their students in meaningful ways, just in time for Constitution Day activities. The guide features 12 diverse teaching methods, encouraging students to reflect on their identities, understand the Electoral College, monitor misinformation, and follow political news. It also includes…
Artificial intelligence, the First Amendment and democracy
Overview This lesson explores the implications of artificial intelligence on the First Amendment, focusing on freedom of speech and the press. With AI technologies evolving rapidly, students will critically analyze how AI might influence public discourse, truth and accountability. Students will also explore the potential legal ramifications of AI-generated content and the challenges it poses…
Covering protests: Do’s and Don’ts of the biggest story this year
One of the biggest news stories this month is the protests on a growing number of college campuses. Not surprisingly, if these are near your school – or maybe even if they are not – your media staffs have considered covering them. They’re certainly newsworthy: timeliness, significance, in many cases proximity and maybe even some…