1. Journalism

2.  DO NOW WRITE DOWN  Primary Sources  Secondary Sources  Professional Sources  Person-on the street sources

3.  The main players in a story. For a school- related story, they can be anyone from the most important officials in the school district—the board of education and the superintendent—to the students who are affected by the outcome of a decision made by the people in charge.

4.  Are those people who are not key to the story but whose point of view enhances the information.

5.  Are adult experts who have information about a topic related to the story but who may not have specific knowledge about the topic as it relates to your school. When interviewing any of these sources; it is a good idea to ask if they have suggestions about other people you can talk to as well.

6.  Random individuals who can offer an opinion about a topic but who are not personally involved in the specifics of a story. Do not interview your friends or other journalism students!

7.  You have to consider if someone is a reliable source.  What makes a person a reliable source?

8.  Identify sources whenever feasible.  The public is entitled to as much information as possible.  Decide if a source has a motive?

9.  Wire service  Books  Publications  ETC.

10.  The Freedom of Information Act  1996-requires the government to make available to the public on request all federal documents except those dealing with national security or foreign policy; confidential financial data, personnel issues, internal matters at federal agencies, or those related to law enforcement investigations

11.  First be prepared  Always identify yourself and your purpose.  Get the person’s first and last name and title On the record-Make sure your interview is on the record—which means everything can be quoted. Ask if you can tape interview Off the record-The information cannot be quoted On background-The reporter may use the material but may not identify by name who said it

12.  Generate questions for your Valentine’s Day article.