To My Students
Teaching Philosophy
Language Arts
Journalism and School Media ««
There are no formal state standards for Journalism in middle school. However, this course will include important academic standards and skills, including research, interviewing techniques, writing, editing, polling and data analysis, and the use of technology across a wide range of applications.
Journalism students are charged with the responsibility of producing a yearbook, literary magazine, and regularly-published newspaper. Included in the yearbook is a multimedia presentation. Special, short-term projects will, from time to time, be assigned. In addition, students will learn about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and some of the important historical developments as they relate to the media. These activities will reinforce computer skills, improve writing skills, and allow students to learn some important historical information.
The Journalism class is organized much like any media business: There are separate departments, each with its own editor or chief executive; each department head reports to the editor-in-chief, who is also a student. Members of each department or team are chosen by using an application process overseen by the editor-in-chief and department heads. Specific assignments are issued by the department heads, and are expected to be completed on time.
Grades are determined by how well and quickly students complete assigned tasks; student editors will provide some of the information upon which grades are based.
Speech and Debate
Social Studies (U.S. History)
Academic Activities
