A Response to My Letter

Emily Krone of the Daily Herald again wrote a column on the topic of a proposed Media, Communications and Technology Academy in South Elgin High School entitled Feedback Varies on Reports about Media Academy.

She stated "My main point — and I stand by it — is that journalists shouldn’t major in journalism. I believe strongly in the value of a liberal arts education, and have met too many journalists who can’t calculate basic equations or recite the key points of the Constitution. Much of my column simply reflected frustration with my own profession, which increasingly seems more concerned with presentation and packaging than in-depth reporting on subjects of merit — in part an outgrowth of journalists well-schooled in the medium, but not the message."

"Still, I received a couple of very thoughtful responses from readers who pointed out how a media and communications academy could facilitate learning in all subject areas." Ms. Krone then quoted from my letter concerning using the theme of media, communications and technology as tools to help students learn, not as an end in itself.

She then went on to say "If the district does choose a media and communications academy, I hope this is the approach they take."

I think they will!