The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of journalism in high schools, characteristics of teachers and advisers, and perceived needs of journalism teachers and advisers in three states with dissimilar certification requirements: Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. A four-page questionnaire was mailed to appropriate personnel in one-third of the high schools listed in the state directory. Comparison of the three states' journalism characteristics yields an apparent correlation between certification requirements and apparent status of journalism in the schools. Indiana has the "strongest" requirements, the most qualified journalism teachers, and the largest number of high school journalism offerings. Respondents agreed that present high school journalism textbooks are inadequate and isolate students from the profession of journalism. They also agreed that the main purpose of high school journalism is to edit and publish the school newspaper, as opposed to helping students become intelligent users of mass communication media. Respondents agreed that college journalism courses were the most important background that secondary teachers could have. (JK)