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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 OCT. 08, 2007 Freedom of Speech Week is timely reminder of democracy at work![]() ![]() We're so accustomed to free speech, we don't always recognize its value. Send pupils into the paper to hunt for comments about a public official, the government, courts, schools or a business that could be censored in an undemoctratic system.
![]() Freedom of speech covers images as well as words. Ask students to look for an editorial page cartoon with sharply pointed criticism protected by the First Amendment.
![]() All freedoms carry responsibilities, and journalists work under legal and voluntary guidelines that don't permit everything to be printed. Invite examples of "untouchable" details or topics for a classroom list.
Schools, libraries, media outlets, civic groups and others next week mark Freedom of Speech Week to celebrate a cornerstone of democracy. This relatively new observance from Oct. 15-21 is organized by a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., called The Media Institute. It works to raise awareness of issues involving the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Free speech is "the language of America" and "defines our American way of life," sponsors say at www.freespeechweek.org. The institute and other advocates stress the need to defend that democratic principle against efforts to limit unpopular political, social or religious views. Several free speech challenges made news recently.
A lively national debate two weeks ago pivoted around whether Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, deserved to speak at Columbia University while visiting New York for a United Nations appearance. The school's president -- a First Amendment scholar -- resisted pressure from some students, faculty members, alumni, politicians, the public and media commentators to cancel the invitation.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
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