PNA Foundation, Sept. 4

Foundation Update: Newspapers play crucial role during election

By Lauren Lee, Director
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation
(717) 703-3002

We are so proud of the work we’ve done with the state’s Newspapers in Education (NIE) Committee. The committee is made up of a group of talented individuals who are passionate about both learning and newspapers. With the majority of students relying heavily on sites such as Wikipedia and Google to research and complete school projects, the newspaper gets lost in the shuffle. It is up to us, industry die-hards and loyal readers, to effectively demonstrate the value of newspapers in the classroom.

A good example is the current presidential race. In case you weren’t paying attention, the candidates and their platforms have been scrutinized by the media on a daily basis. Even those traditionally not concerned with politics are watching, talking – and reading. The timing couldn’t be better to showcase the importance of newspapers to students of all levels.

The Foundation and the Pennsylvania NIE Committee have developed a unique tool to be used in the classroom. The Let’s Take a Vote 2008 kit is comprised of several different curriculum aids designed to bring the presidential election to life. Serial stories in different formats and an online mock voting guide give educators several options to incorporate into their core curriculum.

For those papers who do not have an NIE coordinator or relationship with local schools, the Let’s Take a Vote 2008 kit is the perfect entrée into the classroom. Does this seem like too much work? Have no fear, veteran NIE coordinators have offered to serve as mentors to first-timers who aren’t sure where to begin.

For more information or to request your Let’s Take a Vote 2008 kit, please contact Janet Bevan at janetb@pa-news.org or (717) 703-3004.

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