NIE Home | Sponsors | E FAQs | Order Form | Contact Us |
![]()
Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 19, 2007 TV violence critics urge federal limits on gore and gunplay![]() ![]() Newspaper entertainment section coverage of TV, movies and music includes previews, interviews and reviews. Ask class members for a show of hands and comments about how useful they find such content. Have they made entertainment choices based at least partly on what they’ve read?
![]() Violence in video games also sparks controversy. Some newspapers pay attention to this type of entertainment with reviews, tips, columns and even user comments. Challenge students to find consumer-oriented coverage of video games, or to request those features in letters that can be sent to the newspaper’s editor.
![]() Fictional violence is not the only mayhem on TV, which shows war scenes, real crimes and documentaries that may include bloodshed. Newspapers also show violent images. Lead a classroom discussion about factors broadcasters and editors should consider when deciding what to print or air. Does time of day or page selection matter? Is there value in such images? Does the frequency make a difference? Should certain scenes never appear?
Broadcasters are hearing new outcries against televised violence. Pressure is growing from Congress to reduce graphic and gratuitous scenes in shows, a topic being addressed soon by a major federal report. One proposal would give regulators powers similar to those used to combat sexual content and profanity on TV and radio. TV violence even is shaping up as a 2008 presidential campaign issue. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., long has talked about a harmful effect of gory shows and video games on children. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., wants to let cable subscribers buy channels separately so families can exclude objectionable ones. Senate hearings may consider whether federal officials need power to address graphic violence in TV programming, including cable and satellite. In a new study titled "Dying to Entertain," a watchdog group called the Parents Television Council says TV violence has reached epidemic proportions, partly because of medical and crime dramas such as Nip/Tuck, Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order, 24, Criminal Minds and the various CSI shows. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing to issue a two-year study confirming "deep concern among parents and health professionals regarding harm from viewing violence in the media," its chairman says. He adds: “Television today contains some of the coarsest and most violent programming ever aired.”
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2025
Front Page Talking Points Archive►Courts try to halt rushed removals of alleged gang members, testing presidential powers ►U.S. Education Department shrinks as the president tries to 'move education back to the states' ►Batter up: Odd-looking 'torpedo bat' apparently can help players smash home runs ►Top U.S. officials mistakenly leaked Yemen attack phone chat messages before jets and missiles flew ►Trump stirs drama with talk of wanting Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal ►Measles outbreaks bring reminders of need for childhood vaccines ►White House media policy changes spark lawsuit by AP and concerns about presidential access ►'America has turned:' Trump veers away from backing Ukraine in war against Russian invaders |
Step onto any school campus and you'll feel its energy. Each school is turbocharged with the power of young minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.
Here on the Western Slope, young citizens are honing and testing their skills to take on a rapidly changing world. Largely thanks to technology, they are in the midst of the most profound seismic shift the world has ever seen.
Perhaps no time in our history has it been more important to know what our youth are thinking, feeling and expressing.
The Sentinel is proud to spotlight some of their endeavors. Read on to see how some thoroughly modern students are helping learners of all ages connect with notable figures of the past.
Now you can register online to start getting replica e-editions in your classroom.
Even small donations make a big difference in a child's education.
If you are interested in becoming a Partner In Education, please call 970-256-4299 or e-mail nie@GJSentinel.com