EWA's blog about education issues and topics from a journalist's perspective. The Educated Reporter is anchored by Emily Richmond with contributions from EWA staff and guests.
EWA’s blog about education issues and topics from a journalist’s
perspective. The Educated Reporter is anchored by Emily Richmond with contributions
from EWA staff and guests.
Leonard Ferguson is having the last laugh. A senior at the
Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in
Catonsville, Maryland, he’s on track to graduate this spring with
both a good job and his continuing education paid for.
Dan Berrett of The Chronicle of Higher Education for EWARick Wilson
Many instructors still use traditional-style lectures despite
growing scientific evidence that less-passive approaches are more
effective in building students’ skills and knowledge. At the
Education Writers Association 2019 National Seminar, Harvard
professor Eric Mazur demonstrated to journalists how active
engagement – both inside and outside the classroom – stimulates
higher-order thinking and motivates students to learn.
Reporters can use Facebook to create communities, start
conversations, find story tips and sources, and build
their individual brands. Lynn Walsh, a veteran
reporter, walked journalists through ways to make the most
of Facebook at the Education Writers Association’s 2019 National
Seminar in Baltimore
As a teacher and later as a criminal justice reporter, USA Today’s Monica Rhor saw firsthand that black girls were often treated more harshly than their white peers. That awareness drove her determination to investigate the prevalence of the problem. She found stunning examples of how bias among educators and law enforcement drive what researchers call the “adultification” of black girls.
Mila Koumpilova of the Minneapolis Star Tribune for EWA
Examples of Americans — from prominent political and
college leaders to teenagers – making tone-deaf or
racist comments continue to make headlines in 2019.
Journalists covering such incidents, or just reporting on people
from different backgrounds, also need to be vigilant against
committing their own faux pas. Deadline pressure, space
constraints and implicit biases or lack of knowledge of other
cultures can cause journalists to inadvertently make a hurtful
statement.
During his commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta on
May 19, private equity investor and billionaire Robert Smith
shocked the audience by announcing he was setting up a grant to
pay off the class of 2019’s student loans. The news set off
a standing ovation, cheers and plenty of tears among the grateful
graduates and their families. But it also raises some
important questions for education reporters to consider.
Here are four to keep in mind.
Annysa Johnson of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for EWA
Governors across the country are pledging to pump billions of
dollars into early childhood education – historic
investments that could have a far-reaching impact on the
lives of young people.
But their success will depend on how well states implement those
initiatives and the scope and quality of the programs put in
place, advocates said during the Education Writers Association’s
annual conference this month. And it will be up to journalists,
the speakers said, to hold those states accountable.
Want to tell a gripping tale? Be prepared to be patient — and
really listen — when you do the reporting for your story.
That’s what Chalkbeat Chicago education reporter Adeshina
Emmanuel said as he spoke to a room full of education reporters
in the EWA session “How I Did The Story, K-12,” describing his
method for a story about a 16-year-old Chicago student who could
not read.
Are public schools meeting their longstanding obligation to prepare students for the responsibilities of civic life? For the past year, a team of reporters and editors at Education Week has focused on the state of civics education in the U.S., from the instructional materials used by schools to examples where students are “living” civic engagement rather than just studying it. Reporter Stephen Sawchuk discusses the “Citizen Z” project, and how journalists can use it as a blueprint to inform their own work on this critical subject.
What students learn every day in their classes is the core of the
K-12 enterprise. And yet, unless it’s part of a really terrible
lesson that goes viral, content is rarely the focal point for
education news coverage.
As curriculum rises on policymakers’ agendas, it should also be a
focus of the nation’s education reporters, agreed panelists at
the Education Writers Association’s 72nd annual conference in
Baltimore this month.
By Linda Lambeck of the Connecticut Post for EWACaroline Hendrie
While the hottest higher education story of early 2019 involved
celebrities trying to bribe their kids’ way into
elite colleges, many other important stories are
likely to make news in the 2019-20 academic year, according
to Scott Jaschik, editor of Inside Higher Ed.
The veteran higher education journalist and editor listed
the 10 topics he thinks every higher education reporter should be
ready to cover in the coming months.
To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court
ruling on school segregation, here’s another look at my 2014
Q&A. with Justin Reid, then associate director of the Moton
Museum.
A School Where Career Training and Academics Go Hand in Hand
Popular magnet prepares youths for jobs in health sciences, plumbing and more
Leonard Ferguson is having the last laugh. A senior at the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville, Maryland, he’s on track to graduate this spring with both a good job and his continuing education paid for.
EWA Tip Sheet: How to Cover Instruction
Many instructors still use traditional-style lectures despite growing scientific evidence that less-passive approaches are more effective in building students’ skills and knowledge. At the Education Writers Association 2019 National Seminar, Harvard professor Eric Mazur demonstrated to journalists how active engagement – both inside and outside the classroom – stimulates higher-order thinking and motivates students to learn.
EWA Tip Sheet: Using Facebook to Report
Reporters can use Facebook to create communities, start conversations, find story tips and sources, and build their individual brands. Lynn Walsh, a veteran reporter, walked journalists through ways to make the most of Facebook at the Education Writers Association’s 2019 National Seminar in Baltimore
The Criminalization of Black Girls
How biases are influencing discipline and punishment, in school and out
(EWA Radio: Episode 208)
As a teacher and later as a criminal justice reporter, USA Today’s Monica Rhor saw firsthand that black girls were often treated more harshly than their white peers. That awareness drove her determination to investigate the prevalence of the problem. She found stunning examples of how bias among educators and law enforcement drive what researchers call the “adultification” of black girls.
How to Cover Race Issues Accurately and Fairly
Examples of Americans — from prominent political and college leaders to teenagers – making tone-deaf or racist comments continue to make headlines in 2019. Journalists covering such incidents, or just reporting on people from different backgrounds, also need to be vigilant against committing their own faux pas. Deadline pressure, space constraints and implicit biases or lack of knowledge of other cultures can cause journalists to inadvertently make a hurtful statement.
Four Questions on the Surprise Gift to Morehouse Students
Billionaire Robert Smith's announcement boosts national conversation on college affordability and equity
During his commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta on May 19, private equity investor and billionaire Robert Smith shocked the audience by announcing he was setting up a grant to pay off the class of 2019’s student loans. The news set off a standing ovation, cheers and plenty of tears among the grateful graduates and their families. But it also raises some important questions for education reporters to consider. Here are four to keep in mind.
Big Promises for Little Learners: What’s Next for Early Education?
Governors across the country are pledging to pump billions of dollars into early childhood education – historic investments that could have a far-reaching impact on the lives of young people.
But their success will depend on how well states implement those initiatives and the scope and quality of the programs put in place, advocates said during the Education Writers Association’s annual conference this month. And it will be up to journalists, the speakers said, to hold those states accountable.
EWA Awards Finalists Tell ‘How I Did the Story’
Want to tell a gripping tale? Be prepared to be patient — and really listen — when you do the reporting for your story.
That’s what Chalkbeat Chicago education reporter Adeshina Emmanuel said as he spoke to a room full of education reporters in the EWA session “How I Did The Story, K-12,” describing his method for a story about a 16-year-old Chicago student who could not read.
With Civics, Do Schools Practice What They Teach?
As political tensions trickle into schools, how are schools preparing students to be engaged citizens and informed voters?
(EWA Radio: Episode 207)
Are public schools meeting their longstanding obligation to prepare students for the responsibilities of civic life? For the past year, a team of reporters and editors at Education Week has focused on the state of civics education in the U.S., from the instructional materials used by schools to examples where students are “living” civic engagement rather than just studying it. Reporter Stephen Sawchuk discusses the “Citizen Z” project, and how journalists can use it as a blueprint to inform their own work on this critical subject.
The Hidden Stories on Classroom Curriculum
What students learn every day in their classes is the core of the K-12 enterprise. And yet, unless it’s part of a really terrible lesson that goes viral, content is rarely the focal point for education news coverage.
As curriculum rises on policymakers’ agendas, it should also be a focus of the nation’s education reporters, agreed panelists at the Education Writers Association’s 72nd annual conference in Baltimore this month.
Top 10 Higher Education Story Ideas for 2019-20
Inside Higher Ed's Scott Jaschik says admissions, free speech and rising graduation rates will make headlines.
While the hottest higher education story of early 2019 involved celebrities trying to bribe their kids’ way into elite colleges, many other important stories are likely to make news in the 2019-20 academic year, according to Scott Jaschik, editor of Inside Higher Ed.
The veteran higher education journalist and editor listed the 10 topics he thinks every higher education reporter should be ready to cover in the coming months.
The Forgotten Students Behind Brown v. Board of Education
To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on school segregation, here’s another look at my 2014 Q&A. with Justin Reid, then associate director of the Moton Museum.