As a journalist, I have the responsibility and obligation to inform students about school policy changes, especially those that are not well communicated by the administration. The newspaper gave me the opportunity to report on important issues and it served as a necessary check and balance of the administration's decisions.
3.2.3 “Ann Arbor City Police Cracking Down”
Following the death of student and other injuries at crosswalks, I contacted the city to understand what they were doing to address pedestrian safety. I was told the police department planned to increase efforts to ticket drivers violating the crosswalk ordinance. I positioned myself at a crosswalk to watch police as they tracked down and ticketed cars that didn’t stop for pedestrians. I also surveyed students to see how many had experienced close call as a pedestrian. Interviewing a city official and students that were injured would have strengthened this piece. |
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4.1.1 “New Traffic Changes are now in full swing”
While many students were aware of the new traffic plan, there was no information about why the plan was implemented and who was involved in the decision making process. I held very strong negative opinions on the matter, so I had to keep my objectivity when reporting and when writing. This piece highlights how I conducted important interviews at the school and district level. 4.2.1 "The tables have turned" Following summer break, the students returned without warning to newly configured classrooms, filled with new furniture. Many students found it to be uncomfortable and not conducive to learning. I decided to report on how the decision was made and why students were not consulted or informed considering they are directly impacted by the decision. While administration assumed all the students liked the furniture, my reporting suggested there was a variety of opinions. |
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