Presents four brief articles on covering crime. Notes that reporting on crimes requires special skills for student reporters, editors, and photographers. Explains how to gain access to scenes, to develop journalistic ethics, and how to cover crime and its victims. Discusses the relation of race and ethnic issues to crime, and how visual…

Notes that high school students have an incredible number of issues they must face daily. Contends that it is vital for a high school newspaper to find a balance between coverage of world events and local occurrences so that everything is relevant to high-school readers. Provides examples of eight high school newspapers' coverage of the 2003 war…

Notes that student journalists face a challenge in gaining the respect needed from sources to glean a high quality of information. Contends that in addition to researching the specifics of articles before interviews, part of the preparation needs to be classroom instruction on source cultivation and interpersonal skills. Provides 10 commonsense…

Outlines the attempts of two fictional journalism students to learn the correct way to interview. Emphasizes the importance of doing homework and researching multiple angles. Explains that thinking of questions and taking careful notes are important steps in the process. (PM)

Explains a project, which involves creating a book using digital images. Notes that teachers can create books with samples of their work. Provides other suggestions for using this project, such as teaching scanning, creating a photo portfolio as a semester exam project, or creating introduction pieces for yearbook or newspaper staffers. (PM)

Explains that Adobe InDesign 2.0 moves desktop to new possibilities because it combines the best of modern graphics techniques. Provides explanations of the following aspects of InDesign: drop shadow; align objects; define styles; type on a path; grids; accessible patterns; gradients; create outlines; indexing; and shows missing point. (PM)

Explains the uses of photo illustrations. Notes that the key to developing a successful photo illustration is collaborative planning. Outlines the following guidelines for photo illustrations: never set up a photograph to mimic reality; create only abstractions with photo illustrations; clearly label photo illustrations; and never play photo…

Lists the following 10 tips for improved sports writing in high school publications: reporting comes before writing; do not try to do too much; show, do not tell; do not do game stories; avoid cliches; avoid "jock-talk"; use the drama of sports; do not write the obvious story; sports is also news; and read great sports writing. (PM)

Explains that the maestro concept is an approach to integrating writing, editing, and visual communication. Notes that the goal of the maestro concept is to find agreement on the best way to package a story, photos, art, and graphics for the reader. Concludes that the maestro team helps beginning journalism students become better verbal and visual…

Proposes that narrow columns provide a flexible system of organization for designers. Notes that grids serve the content on the pages, help to develop a layout that will clearly direct the reader to information; and prevent visual monotony. Concludes when grid layouts are used, school publications look as good as professional ones. (PM)

Proposes that beginning journalism classes teach multiple skills, including law, decision-making, interpersonal communication, interviewing, and critical thinking. Outlines how to convince administrators of the need for beginning journalism classes, and how to develop an effective class. Lists philosophy and course goals for one such class. (PM)

Contends that the index at the back of a book is an important reader service. Discusses how and why to index, and how to make indexes interesting. Outlines programs, such as Filemaker and Adobe, which help the indexing process. (PM)

Notes that learning new things is one of the most important reasons advisers send their editors and staff to summer workshops, and it is also the biggest reason for advisers themselves to go. Explains that in the atmosphere of a summer workshop, everyone shares a dedication to journalism. Concludes that most students and advisers come away from…

Outlines some expectations for advisers and administrators in relation to student journalism. Contends that advisers should expect support from the administration. Proposes that the administration should expect that difficult questions be asked in publications. (PM)

Contends the faculty adviser for student publications holds one of the most sensitive positions in school. Explains why the following attributes are important in an advisor: understands the peripheral aspects of the job; communicates effectively; promotes teamwork; models how to accept criticism; promotes intrinsic motivation; stirs students to…