Survey data on mass communication students' perceptions of plagiarism and fabrication indicate an ethics gap in which students are more concerned about ethical breaches in journalism than in academics. Further analyses found that the ethics gap increases among students near graduation who had higher levels of concern and suggested harsher…

Considers that because of an assurance of religious liberty, Americans tend to restrict religious convictions within their private domains even though most consider themselves to be religious or spiritual. Discusses how newspapers and broadcasters do not take religion stories seriously and as a result, student journalists seldom see or read…

Presents findings of a comprehensive 1999 survey of advisers and administrators, which showed that the high-school student press is not free, is controlled mostly by advisers, but also by principals, and views editing of the newspaper by its faculty adviser as the norm. Notes that only 27% of the principals and advisers say their papers are not…

Argues that today's media requires workers with knowledge of digital communication technologies as well as of journalistic principles and practices. Discusses curriculum revisions taking place to prepare graduates for these changes; describes a project at Kent State in which still photographers learned to shoot video; and looks at how web, TV, and…

Argues that writing for the media is utilitarian (not formal) writing, and that slang is acceptable when it conveys meaning. Argues that student journalists need to learn how to analyze slang so they know when to use it and when to avoid it. Offers advice for teachers, and includes two exercises for students on slang. (SR)

Discusses results of a survey of Nebraska high school journalism teachers, their use of technology and their attitudes towards it. Discusses concerns about balancing technology and its uses and demands with the teaching of good writing and good journalism practices. Discusses negative scanners, buying a digital camera, and new image-editing…

Describes a high-school journalism adviser's experience working at the Sports desk of the "Sacramento Bee" during one summer. Suggests the short-term job helped the author flesh out what it means to be a working journalist, and helped him take some of the passion, energy, and excitement of the professional newsroom back to his classroom. (RS)

Describes various ways scholastic journalism advisers have attempted to make real-world connections to boost their journalism programs: critiques of student publications by invited guest speakers (professional journalists); regional workshops where professionals offer short presentations; local media offering programming or special sections aimed…

Notes professional journalists know they cannot be efficient news reporters without being able to do basic math. Describes five kinds of calculations journalists use, kinds of stories calculations appear in, and how to work with them. Discusses questions to ask about the reliability of data. Offers exercises dealing with mean and median, percent…

Discusses the shift from high school journalism to college journalism for students. Describes the role of the high school journalism advisor in that process. Offers checklists for getting to know a college publication. Outlines ways high school journalism teachers can take advantage of journalism resources available at local colleges and…

Offers a brief look at the life of Marcus Walter Williams: his early life and education, his work life in journalism, and his founding of the first school of Journalism (located at the University of Missouri) in 1906. (SR)

Offers tips from 3 professional photographers on shooting environmental portraits that tell a story about the person through the photograph. Offers a brief case study regarding a particular photo shoot, including an exercise. (SR)

Interviews several college journalists and college journalism advisers about developing and working with news sources. Discusses the necessity of teaching interpersonal skills, and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of using email to interview sources. (SR)

Argues that coverage of ritual festivities needs to be as special as the event itself. Offers ideas for, and specific examples of, such coverage in high school student publications, including newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines. (SR)

Argues that anniversary yearbooks offer unique opportunities for schools to cover major anniversaries of their publications, their schools, and their communities. Offers numerous examples from around the country of different ways high school anniversary yearbooks have done just that. (SR)