Columbia Scholastic Press Association

On-site Newspaper Critiques

While the classes cover the big picture of scholastic journalism, this encounter applies the lessons and standards and focuses on the specific situation of each newspaper. Each newspaper staff meets informally with a veteran adviser to evaluate the past year’s issues.  The critiques are an extended conversation lasting about 20 minutes.  Each newspaper staff is scheduled for one critique session sometime during the Workshop.

This short session will focus on setting realistic goals for improving the paper. Staff members have an opportunity to ask questions about the particular circumstances unique to their school. Critiques also are a forum to discuss the way the paper is produced.

After the critique session ends, the staff should have a confident outlook for the year ahead, taking into account their own strengths, weaknesses and potential for growth.

On-site critiques

David Wiegand advised the yearbook Aurora and newspaper Warrior's Word for 20 years at Wausau West High School in Wausau, WI. His publications earned numerous writing honors including Gold Circle awards from CSPA, and National Winners from Quill and Scroll. The newspaper earned a Gold Medalist rating from CSPA, All-American status from NSPA and the George H. Gallup honor from Quill and Scroll 10 times. The paper also has been a Pacemaker finalist for NSPA and received a Silver Crown from CSPA.

Quick Downloads