Kansas Plans To Cut High-School Journalism Funding

In a sign of the times or a sad statement on society at large, depending on how you view it, Kansas Department of Education is threatening to cut funds for high-school journalism students across the state. The loss of funds could come in 2012-2013 because the state does not view the field as a viable career option. I'm not sure if I should be offended, but I think I am. A spokeswoman for the state's education department told the Topeka Capital-Journal that the department studied labor market data and came to the conclusion that journalism doesn't show enough job growth. "According to the education department's website, CTE funding is given to programs that provide students with the technical knowledge and skills needed for further education or make them employable in a skilled profession straight out of high school," wrote CJ reporter Corey Jones. This seems like a shortsighted view of the profession and what kids learn in high-school programs, like school papers. What about the ability to form a sentence, or a group of sentences to make an argument? Those skills help in almost all professions. The heavy losses won't come until 2012. "With the emphasis on No Child Left Behind and testing, other areas aren't so much taking a hit," said journalism adviser at Topeka West High School Kristy Dekat to CJ. "Especially with the other areas that fall under the CTE funding, they aren't being hit. It's just journalism that's taking the blow." Sad. (h/t Romenesko)

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Kansas Plans To Cut High-School Journalism Funding

Ryan Derousseau

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Ryan Derousseau