The Wheel

• What's new in the 2013 Multimedia Guidebook?
  NSPA has updated and revised the first-ever national standards for student media websites. The updated 2013 Multimedia Guidebook will be published in May, but you can get an overview of the changes by downloading this PDF. The document highlights changes in categories, emphasis and scoring for critiques. It will also be used for future contests, including the Online Pacemaker and Best of Show. (4/22/2013)
• Seven tips for using your NSPA Critique
  Find out how to make the most of your NSPA critique. Here are seven tips we have compiled based on feedback and advice from veteran advisers. (5/24/2012)
• Learn from the 2010 NSPA Yearbook Pacemaker Finalists
  A team of judges spent two days in Minneapolis selecting the 2010 NSPA Yearbook Pacemaker finalists out of hundreds of entries. Here are the judges' top suggestions, along with samples from the finalists. (3/29/2011)
• Best of Photography 2010
  In this section from Best of the High School Press 16, Jill Chittum of Blue Valley High School, Stillwell, Kan., selects images from NSPA's 2010 Picture of the Year entries that illustrate photo techniques such as capturing the moment, effective cropping and worm's eye view. (1/28/2011)
• Learn from the 2010 Newspaper Pacemaker Finalists
  Judges spent two days looking at hundreds of high school newspapers and newsmagazines. Here’s a summary of their suggestions. (9/15/2010)
• History of Scholastic Newspapers
  High school journalism has never been predictable. Over nine decades, high school newspapers have evolved through fascinating transitions mirroring changes in American society. See where they started and how they have changed. (8/3/2010)
• Legal Issues for Publishing Online
  Understanding the basics of media law is essential for any high school journalist. But that understanding may be even more important for the multimedia journalist because of issues unique to the online world. (4/1/2010)
• Model Code of Ethics for High School Journalists
  NSPA is announcing a new tool for student media advisers and young journalists. The NSPA Code of Ethics establishes seven ethical principles for high school journalists. No more modifying other codes of ethics. This one is specific to the situations facing high school students and advisers. And, it's been created with all media in mind. (5/1/2009)
• Equipment Checkout Forms
  Ensuring the proper maintenance of photographic equipment starts with an organized system to know where the equipment is, who is using it and who had it last. A checkout procedure helps students take responsibility for keeping track of equipment and to understand the cost to replace equipment. (8/28/2008)
• Yearbook Distribution Letter
  Just a slip of paper inside the front cover of each yearbook can avoid lots of hassle. It's a good way to communicate basic information, explain refund or exchange procedures and highlight any special features. (4/28/2008)
• Obituary Samples and Policies
  Being proactive with an obituary policy can make for easy decisions if, and when, student journalists need to cover the death of someone in the school community. (4/28/2008)
• Sample Student Media Staff Member Contract/License
  This sample contract and license between a student media staff member and a student media organization was drafted by the Student Press Law Center and is an attempt to fairly balance the intellectual property rights of the student creators of a work against the business and practical requirements of student media organizations that publish such work. (4/28/2008)