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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 JAN. 18, 2010 Digital outreach and social media help Haiti earthquake survivors![]() ![]() This foreign story has local impact. Look for reports about residents in your area or state who are Haitian, have family members there or have done charitable work on the island.
![]() Find information about how to donate to relief efforts. Is there coverage of local appeals for assistance?
![]() Some quake images and reports may seem gruesome. Discuss the role of newspapers in presenting balanced, accurate disaster coverage for a diverse readership. Are editors acting with sensitivity, particularly in choosing Page 1 photos?
Ordinary Americans are participating in the global response to help the Caribbean island of Haiti, devastated by one of the worst natural disasters ever experienced in the Western Hemisphere. A large earthquake last week left the capital city, Port-au-Prince, in ruins and caused thousands of casualties. The United States, dozens of other countries and major charities rushed to the rescue with troops, medical relief, shelters, food, water and other critical supplies.
Public appeals for contributions are tailored to the digital age, as shown by repeated presidential references to a list of Haitian relief groups at www.whitehouse.gov. The State Department helped the American Red Cross set up a mobile phone campaign that has raised more than $8 million dollars. Donors can give $10 at a time by texting the word HAITI to 90999.
Social media also delivered live news from Haiti and served again as the first place where millions react to a large-scale catastrophe. Before journalists reached the island, CNN shared tweets, YouTube videos and photos posted on Facebook by survivors with wireless Internet access. The Associated Press set up a Facebook page and Twitter feed as part of its coverage.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
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