High School Journalism: A Practical Guide

by Jim Streisel

High school journalists share the same objectives as professional reporters--finding the story, writing the story, and packaging the story so that it appeals to an audience. Understanding how to best accomplish these objectives is key to the student on the newspaper, yearbook or Web site staff, but the fundamental art of storytelling and story presentation are not always at the center of high school journalism classes. Student journalists must first understand that storytelling, at its most basic level, is about people, and that understanding the audience is essential in deciding how to present the story. This handbook for high school journalists and teachers offers practical tips for all elements of school journalism. The author covers the essential components that students must understand: information gathering, writing, standard and alternative coverage and packaging. Students will find valuable information about identifying news, interviewing, research, narrative writing style, editing, visual presentation and layout. The book also covers the legal rights of student journalists, objective vs. opinion writing, staff planning and organization and Web-based journalism. Each chapter includes study guides for practical applications of the concepts discussed. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may .

232 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2007

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of Streisel’s metaphors and analogies. I just thought they were boring, awkward, and/or distracting. His introductions to various chapters and concepts felt like tangential detours.

BUT I kept reading for the core information, which I think is solid and very helpful to a newbie journalism teacher and student newspaper adviser such as myself. I would never hand this over to students as a text—it’s too lame, the writing leaves much to be desired, and it’s outdated in many ways. But it was good foundational stuff for me. Will be using the concepts and several recommended exercises in my upcoming journalism class.

[Ayaan Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. As a student journalist, this helped me a lot when I was first starting out with reporting and became my go-to whenever other editors or our advisor weren’t around.

The only criticism I have is that his “broccoli and cheese” metaphor is kind of cheesy (forgive the pun).

[Allison Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're a real one if you've read Jim Streisel's guide. I think about the broccoli and cheese analogy more often than I'd like to admit.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little outdated, but there is some really helpful things to improve my curriculum.