The Latest Archives

In case you missed something we’ve done …

In case you might have missed some of our key projects and materials, here is a quick and easy way to locate them. Materials range from access to the Panic Button to passing free expression legislation in your state.

Try P-R-O active measures
to avoid charges of ‘questionable’ reporting

by Stan Zoller In his 1935 classic, “It Can’t Happen Here,” the late Sinclair Lewis wrote about a small-town newspaper editor, who, struggles with the efforts of a fascist leader’s administration censor his paper and ends up in a concentration camp. After escaping from the camp, he ends up in Canada, before leading a resistance…

Going online? Consider these points before you decide

by John Bowen Scholastic journalism educators over the summer devoted a lot of time and discussion about whether print is dying and whether their programs should switch to digital first or digital only. Before advisers and students make a decision to move totally online, think about and discuss these points:

How much information is enough for a story? An ethics lesson

How much information is enough for a story? by John Bowen Description Students will explore the following questions: What makes a good headline? What makes a good infographic? What makes a good multimedia package? Is the practice of “All you need to know about X” bad for journalism? In working on those questions, students will…

The Playwickian v. Neshaminy School Board:
What is freedom of the student press
and how does a staff make and defend editorial decisions?
A lesson in freedom

The Playwickian vs. Neshaminy School Board – What is freedom of the student press and how does a staff make and defend editorial decisions? by Cindi Hyatt Description This lesson is intended to promote discussion of what the First Amendment defines as free speech and press. Students need to recognize that the First Amendment is…

Constitution Day lessons and activities, 2014

by Lori Keekley The Scholastic Press Rights Commission works to provide information and resources on legal and ethical issues to journalism students, teachers and administrators. SPRC members also work to promote the First Amendment rights of students across the nation, and is a commission of the Journalism Education Association. We designed our Constitution Day lesson…

Application of libel law: Ventura lesson

Application of Libel Law by Lori Keekley Description Students will examine the tenets and defenses of libel while analyzing a recent court case. The lesson spans two days, but could be combined to fit into one day if needed. Students also will examine how the First Amendment plays a role libel law. Objectives • Students…

Censorship lesson and case study: Fond du Lac

Censorship Case Study by Jeff Kocur Description A case study on the Fond du Lac High School Cardinal Column’s censorship by administration after the publishing of an article on a rape culture at the school. The study involves censorship of Fond du Lac High School’s by administration after the publishing of an article on a rape culture…

Evaluating journalistic content: an ethics lesson

Evaluating journalistic content: creating your own coverage process by John Bowen Description Students will examine the following: What is the most complete way to tell a story? What are the ingredients of the perfect, most comprehensive story? Can the approach work for all story types? Students will work on the following questions: • What in…

Takedown demands:
Setting criteria before the requests come
An ethics lesson

Takedown Demands: Setting Criteria before the requests come by John Bowen Description When the requests come for your staff to take down materials already published either in print or online, what criteria will you use to make the decision – and why? Students will examine the following questions: • What are Takedown Demands? • What…

Online comments:
Allow anyone to post,
or monitor and approve first
An ethics lesson

Considering online comments: Allow anyone to comment to protect the forum or keep comments focused? by John Bowen Description Should online comments be allowed without review? Does doing so protect the forum concept? Students will examine the following questions: • What are the purposes of having comments for online and social media, for news as…

Is print dead? An ethics lesson

Is print dead? by john Bowen Description Can students read the Constitution in its original form (cursive)? What could this mean for paper consumption? The JEA listserv recently had an extended discussion about whether print student media was dead, or at least in its death throes. Students will examine the following questions: • What are…