“A core value of being a journalist is to understand the role of the press in a free society. That role is to provide an independent source of information so that a citizen can make informed decisions. It is often the case that this core value of journalistic independence requires a journalist to question authority rather than side with authority. Thus, if the role of the press in a democratic society is to have any value, all journalists – including student journalists – must be allowed to publish viewpoints contrary to those of state authorities without intervention or censorship by the authorities themselves. Without protection, the
freedoms of speech and press are meaningless and the press becomes a mere channel for official thought.”
Dean v. Utica Community Schools
345 F.Supp.2d 799 [E.D. Mich. 2004]

• DOWNLOAD OVERALL 6 PRINCIPLES POSTER
here

• DOWNLOAD STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY 6 PRINCIPLES POSTER
here

• DOWNLOAD ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY 6 PRINCIPLES POSTER
here

• DOWNLOAD ADVISER CODE OF ETHICS POSTER
here

• DOWNLOAD HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM MATTERS POSTER
here

Principles and resources:
Information about how journalistic principles enhance journalism education.

Instructions: To open or download materials listed below, read the brief annotations and click where indicated. Remember to cite the source of all materials. You can use them in any of your educational activities.

• What you need to know about censorship to begin the year: This PowerPoint stresses the basic principles of press law needed to start the school year.

• The role of a scholastic journalism adviser: This PowerPoint created by H.L. Hall from principles formulated By Chip Scanlon looks at what makes a good adviser.

• Character Education and journalism: This PowerPoint demonstrates how Character Education's principles are exemplified in journalism teaching and advising. The PowerPoint was created by Becky Sipos.

• Journalistic versus English writing: This PowerPoint created by Susan Tantillo and Candace Perkins Bowen looks at how the journalistic approach is similar to English, but also significantly different.

• The role of the adviser compared with the role of the editor: This PowerPoint created by H.L. Hall based on material from Derek Smith looks at how the roles of adviser and editor are not the same.

• Ten ways to be an effective adviser: This PowerPoint created by H.L. Hall and based on 38 years of teaching and advising experience outlines tips advisers need to know to be strong leaders.

• Thoughts for advisers: Material for this PDF was assembled by members of JEA's Scholastic Press Rights Commission at its 2008 retreat at The Poynter Institute.

• Talking points for scholastic jourlnalism: This PDF focuses on information from philosophical and educational reasoning for student free expression to background on legal issues.

• Imagining the perfect journalism student leader: Tom Gayda created the thoughts for this PDF about what makes good leaders. And they can be found.

• Qualities of a good journalism program: Material for this PDF was assembled by members of JEA's Scholastic Press Rights Commission at its 2008 retreat at The Poynter Institute.

• Practicing responsible journalism means...: Based on points also available as a poster, this PDF stresses the rationale for JEA's six principles of responsible journalism. Information from the other posters is also available as downloadable PDFs: Adviser responsibilities and Student responsibilities.

• Sample staff manual from Tom Gayda, North Central High School, 2007: This PDF shows one version of a working staff manual. If you use any of these points, please give credit.

• Research study on adviser characteristics: This PDF is a 2003 study by Jack Dvorak and Candace Perkins Bowen.

• Press Freedom in Practice: Prepared by the SPLC for the Newspaper Association of America, this PDF shows how some advisers successfully turned back threats of censorship and control.

• Student media adviser's guide to fighting censorship: Material for this PDF was assembled by the SPLC and offers advice about what to do if you find yourselves in the middle of a free expression fight.