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Journalism Article 1:
School News Investigation & Story
Overview: What do your peers need and want to know? Investigate a news story and keep track of what you find out, when, and where. Then write a piece covering school news for an audience of Saratoga students and staff, and possibly the Saratoga community. Your angle should be interesting, informative and timely. Don’t be afraid of controversy, but be fair and scrupulously accurate.
GRADED WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
- Submit your draft nut graph (on paper) and a list of sources of information. I’ll give you feedback before you get going.
- Background research NOTES. Find at least two written sources, preferably both newspaper clips and informational articles from the databases, and submit the printouts and your notes. Sources: for clips of local stories, consult saratogian.com and search their database. For clips on statewide or national issues, use the library’s newspaper database. For other background, context, statistics, studies, and expert opinions, use the library databases: EbscoHost, Infotrac, eLibrary, SIRS Knowledge Source, and CQ Researcher. You may also use pre-approved internet sources, but you must show me the site before using it. Note: Public and school records are available through the Freedom of Information Act, but would probably take too long for this article. Please see handouts and class notes for further information on finding and using information.
- Interview questions. Make arrangements for at least one interview of a key source. Write down questions ahead of time and submit them before the interview.
- Interview notes. Use the interview techniques we discussed in class to get information for your story. Take good notes during (and after) your interview. Write both summary and quotes—you will need them for your story, and for a separate grade. Be sure to try to get other names of sources and follow up on these leads.
- Final version of your nut graph. Revise it based on feedback from me and as you find information for your story.
- Draft 1 of the article. This draft should be as finalized as you can make it on your own. It must be typed. (use standard typing format) I will be grading it based on effort towards meeting the requirements. You must submit your draft with everything above.
- Revisions of Draft 1 and Draft 2/Final Draft. You must submit all previous drafts and notes with your final. You will receive two grades for your final draft: a revision grade for making the changes I’ve noted on your previous draft and a final draft grade. I expect major changes between draft 1 and the final draft. You may need to do more than two drafts and you may be required to go back to your sources or do further research or investigation. The final draft should be polished and publishable quality and will be graded based on the requirements.
