CSPAA Notes reprinted from Quill & Scroll
These articles appeared in the Quill & Scroll magazines and are reprinted with permission.
CREATE A STAFF MANUAL: a critical tool for students, advisers
Kathleen Zwiebel
As many advisers continue to take on the responsibility of more than one publication and publication editors are usually involved in several activities in their schools, staff organization and the development of a comprehensive staff manual become critical.
Advisers and editors need as many tools as possible to make their jobs easier. By working together they can develop a "how to" manual that will answer all staff questions and ensure a successful publication. The staff manual also helps staffers become more independent. It will be their most valuable resource.
For a staff manual to be complete, one needs to include the following items:
To read the entire article click here to download the article as a PDF.
Circumstances of private school media
Ray Westbrook
One October afternoon, it came: the packet.
If you're a veteran journalism adviser or student, you'll know what "the packet" refers to. The packet from your state or national journalism organization, CSPA, Quill and Scroll, JEA or NSPA. The packet with your media ratings or critique.
Validation of a job well done, things to work on, perhaps some very nice kudos. Constructive pointers that will make your teaching and advising stronger. Make your yearbook or newspaper better. Starting points for discussions with your staff on things to do better, differently, things to think about. You hope.
To read the entire article click here to download the article as a PDF.
Summer in the city: Journalism training pays dividends
Bruce Watterson
Bear Stearns' bailout, high oil prices and other economic strains are cautionary tales to school administrators, faculty, and especially publication advisers.
During economically volatile times such as these, travel expenditures are especially scrutinized. The decision to send publication staffs to conferences and summer workshops can come under attack.
Take heart. Staying home, passing on the opportunity to register for summer training may offer a short term monetary gain but may forever doom the momentum and the long-term success of your school newspaper, yearbook or literary magazine. What to do?
To read the entire article click here to download the article as a PDF.
Convergence transitions
Tracy Anne Sena
In an early-morning, sleep-induced fog a few months ago, I heard a snippet of a radio broadcast that a major newsgathering organization was going to expand its number of bureaus worldwide.
That's right. In an era of shrinking newsrooms and declining ad revenue, international bureaus are on the rise.
News bureau (n) One reporter with a laptop, a high-speed Internet connection (or satellite phone in really remote areas) and a $150 Flip video/still camera.
Welcome to the world of convergence media.
To read the entire article click here to download the article as a PDF.
Design tool ideas: Ways to develop an eye for visuals
Kathleen Zweibel
Publication staff members and advisers are always looking for new design ideas. The graphic portfolio and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Winner CD are excellent design teaching tools and helpful for developing a sense of what determines visual appeal.
The CSPA Crown Winners CD, which all CSPA members receive each year, features the top yearbooks, newspapers and literary magazines at the college, high school and middle school levels. There are numerous slides presented as PDFs for each Crown publication with the judges' commentary for each page/spread. This invaluable teaching tool addresses everything from paper choices, theme, use of fonts and colors, to photography tips and the latest in design trends.
To read the entire article click here to download the article as a PDF.
