The Latest – Page 32

Self-censorship examination

by Lori Keekley Title Self-censorship examination Description This lesson examines the self-censorship on the individual level. The lesson starts by providing a prompt in which students examine what they would like to cover, but feel they can’t for some reason. Discussion addresses why this self-censorship exists and examines whether this self-censorship should be abandoned. …

Journalists as professional skeptics

by Kristin Taylor Title: Journalists as Professional Skeptics Description The first lesson explores ethical decision-making about what to publish and the importance of verification in that process. It is a case study that puts students in the role of an editor as they walk through a hypothetical story pitch and consequences of publishing an unverified…

What should go into an editorial policy?
What should not? QT3

Editorial policies are the foundations for your journalism program. Often short, these statements address forum status, who makes final decisions of content and prior review. Think of it this way: a strong policy is prescriptive. It says what students will do. A policy is like a constitution and sets the legal framework for student media….

Tips for training ethical reporters

by Candace Perkins Bowen, MJE What’s the best advice you can give your beginning reporters? What’s going to help them enjoy what they are doing because they’re doing it well? Columbia Journalism Review had an outstanding article in mid-August by Adeshina Emmanuel and Justin Ray. “Top journalists reveal the best reporting advice they have received,”…

Prior review v. prior restraint: Quick Tip2

In brief, the Journalism Education Association has found prior review has no educational value. Instead, JEA believes it is simply the first step toward censorship and fake news. Prior review also contributes to self-censorship and lack of trust between students, advisers and administrators. Prior review conflicts with JEA’s adviser code of ethics. Prior review occurs…

How people interpret the news
and why it matters

by Maggie Cogar Title How people interpret the news and why it matters Description Why, and how, can two people be exposed to the exact same news story and interpret it differently? Why should this matter to journalists? People interpret the news differently depending on their cognitive schematic structure, or prior experiences. It’s important for…

Introducing Tools of Truth package
focusing on preventing fake news

To introduce the SPRC’s new Tools of Truth package that examines approaches to cope with fake news, please go here for a sample lesson. The package consists of more than 20 lessons on dealing with fake news in four categories: censorship, satire, sloppy reporting and deceptive news. This lesson on “How people interpret the news…

First Amendment school dialogue

by Jeff Kocur Title: First Amendment school dialogue Description Constitution Day, for journalists, may need to start simply with recognition of the First Amendment and the five freedoms of the First Amendment. This activity will allow your school or individual classes to have a quick discussion of the First Amendment and how your students see…

Sharing your state law with others

by John Bowen and Lori Keekley Title Sharing your state law with others Description State laws protecting student press rights mean nothing if students, administrators, school boards and others don’t know what they mean or how they impact the community. For this lesson, students will create an action plan for the various groups in their…

What’s in your state press law?

by John Bowen and Lori Keekley Title What’s in your state press law? Description State laws protecting student press rights mean nothing if students don’t know what they cover. For this lesson, students will examine what their state law protects and what its limitations are. Students will also create a dialogue with stakeholders in order…

The importance of an independent and active press

by Matthew Smith Title The importance of an independent and active press Description Having a press that is independent and active enough to hold the government accountable has long been considered important for the proper functioning of a democracy. In fact, although the benefits of an active, adversarial press has come under fire, recently, many…

2017 Constitution Day lessons

Constitution Day 2017 is approaching, and several members of the Scholastic Press Rights Committee have come together to provide you with materials to help your students understand their rights and responsibilities. These lessons provide particular focus on the First Amendment and the freedom of speech in general, but they would be appropriate and effective in…