Discusses grading the high school newspaper production class. Focuses, in this first of two articles, on a system of assigning points for the many tasks that merely need completion (rather than quality effort). Includes a grade form to keep track of such tasks and a statement about overall grading practices for students and their parents. (SR)

Describes how the author, a high school publications adviser, worked closely with his colleague, the yearbook adviser, to advance journalism standards and to match techniques and approaches. Notes how working with a congenial and experienced journalism partner smoothes the road and upgrades quality. (SR)

Discusses the use of grading forms developed to spell out the responsibilities of the editor in chief, page editors, business manager, and photographers. Provides forms to grade news stories and editorials. (RS)

Notes that incidents abound of student journalists using jargon. Suggests that the best "rule" about avoiding jargon is: "Impress your audience by plainly and clearly explaining difficult material." Concludes that jargon harms and clouds the clarity of student journalism and the confidence in the student press. (RS)

Argues that student publication advisors should continue building a body of knowledge, establishing ethical and performance standards, and insisting on advisor autonomy from school administrators. (RS)

Argues that cliches make writing stale and flat, and that getting rid of them is a necessity. Lists the "top 14" cliches gathered by a Columbia Scholastic Press Association judge. Uses examples to show how cleansing a passage of its superlatives and cliches improves the writing, adding clarity, fairness, and objectivity as well as freshness and…

Discusses the benefits of using grids in yearbook design. Shows how using the grid horizontally makes it easier to design vertical and horizontal packages that work together. (SR)

Argues that technological advances with digital photo enhancement computer programs raise serious questions concerning ethics in student publications, and that instructors and advisers have an obligation to teach students about the appropriate, ethical use of these programs. Outlines specific issues and reminds students that it is wrong to enhance…

Offers eight brief essays containing job descriptions and advice from student editors of news publications, a TV station, yearbooks, and art and literary magazines. Details the jobs and responsibilities they had, and dilemmas they faced. (SR)

Argues that using evocative details makes for truly effective high school yearbook stories. Notes that the art of observation is crucial. Describes the difference between telling a story and showing it with details that will help the reader see and feel the story through these powerful images. (SR)

Describes what the Columbia Scholastic Press Advisors Association has meant to the author, who has been a high school publications adviser since 1973. Notes that hope is the spirit that keeps advisers and students going, and notes instances for hope and celebration. Notes that writing things down gives them validity and that "what reads easy…

Suggests ways for student reporters to correctly use the medium they have at their disposal and reach their audience more effectively than the daily professional newspaper, radio, or television. Discusses how to cover the games; how to get the advance, postgame, and in-depth stories; how to use photography effectively; and other areas. (MG)

Looks at frequent mistakes made with verb forms, widespread even among sportscasters, school board members, and others. Outlines common verb form problems to look for, and ways to avoid such errors. (SR)

Describes the career path of the author from junior high school student named assistant editor to college media adviser with 27 years experience. Comments on each of Louis Ingelhart's 14 points that address the role of the high school and college media/journalism adviser. (RS)

Relates several experiences of a high school journalism adviser, including his best and worst moments in his professional life. Discusses covering controversial issues in student publications, censorship, administrator interference, and some of the professional organizations available to journalism advisers. (RS)