The Latest
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Introduction to news literacy
by Kristin Taylor Title Introduction to News Literacy Description In order for students to understand the importance of the freedom of speech and freedom of the press guaranteed by the First Amendment, they must understand the responsibilities that come along with this freedom. It is not enough to have a free press — we must…
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…
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…
Forum status of student media: Quick Tip1
Policy If you’re developing a new policy, the Scholastic Press Rights Committee recommends using language something like this: [Name of publication] is a designated public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without prior review from school officials. Key points/action: In the post-Hazelwood world, it is more important than ever for student journalists…
The most important meeting
by Lindsay Coppens, adviser of The Harbinger, Algonquin Regional High School, Northborough, MA Keep them separated. That was my mentality when I first starting advising my high school’s newspaper. By “them” I meant the administration and the student editors. By separated I didn’t mean student reporters shouldn’t interview administration (they are often invaluable sources), but…
Second day concerns
by Lori Keekley It’s not the first day of school that has me worried. It’s the second. St. Louis Park’s first day involves some get-to-know-you activity, but we start content on the second. And this is why I’m worried. With the summer of fake news and recent news of the events of Charlottesville, Virginia, I…
Building foundations for great journalism
by Kristin Taylor Inevitably, my intro journalism students have one question: “When do we get to start writing?” Their impatience is understandable — they joined my class to become reporters, and they are eager to start that work — but I believe it is critically important to build a solid foundation in law and ethics…
Now’s the time to consider
applying for FAPFA recognition
by John Bowen, MJE As we start a new school year, JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Committee hopes first and foremost on your list of things to do is to reaffirm your student media’s support for and adherence to the First Amendment and free expression. Your students can also continue to recognize the importance of First…
No license, no car
by Stan Zoller, MJE One of my favorite arguments, if one can have such an entity, is with other journalism educators regarding how they start their course. While in the midst of this discussion a number of years ago, one adviser told me she always starts with interviewing and then moves into journalistic history. And…
When international issues turn local
by Candace Bowen, MJE What kind of coverage has appeared in your student media about climate issues? No, not rehashing something from CNN about the trillion-ton chunk of ice that broke off Antarctica, though that is certainly a concern. And not repeating Time’s coverage of President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron discussing the causes…