78th EWA National Seminar

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot industry issues and build community with others on the education beat. Open to journalist members only. LGBTQ+ allies welcome.

In these tumultuous times, how can reporters better cover issues and challenges related to undocumented students and their school communities? What do recent changes to federal immigration policy mean for journalism’s best practices, and where are the opportunities to go beyond the familiar storylines?

Teens continue to report declining interests in school and pursuing higher education. Chronic absenteeism also remains a persistent issue. Could a sharper focus on career pathways help schools better engage students? Hear from a researcher, district leader and student about their experiences with programs, such as career and technical education and apprenticeships. Learn what strategies some schools are pursuing to support student learning and advancement.

From uncovering data on school funding, teacher retention and student performance to navigating the legal complexities of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and public records laws, this session equips journalists of all levels with tools and strategies to successfully access and use education records. Panelists discuss useful records to obtain, tips for crafting requests, strategies for overcoming denials and legal considerations.

Colleges are confronting federal investigatory threats over what can be done and taught related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs while risking federal funding cuts if they don’t police protests and certain classes. Meanwhile, some states – including Florida – have restricted what can be taught about topics, such as systemic racism. What is the state of academic freedom on campus, and what does it mean for faculty, students and learning?

In this insightful and always popular session, print and broadcast reporters reveal to communications professionals what pitches capture their attention and what issues interest them the most in this unprecedented education landscape. Crucially, journalists also explain what not to do.

First came the Every Student Succeeds Act and COVID-19. Federal oversight waned and states relaxed accountability systems. Now the Trump administration is scaling back the data the federal government collects, including the backbone of the National Assessment of Education Progress, a yardstick that compares student achievement nationwide. How will severe cutbacks to federal data collection impact state assessments, and what are the implications for students and schools?

From name, image and likeness agreements – and the landmark House v. NCAA settlement that includes billions of dollars in backpay to former Division I student-athletes – to conference changes, the evolving landscape of college athletics means more higher education journalists are stepping into the sports reporting arena. What trends do reporters need to know? How are universities changing to meet the needs and demands of student-athletes?

School segregation has received increased coverage over the last year, particularly around the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. What were some of the deep and innovative ways reporters covered this historic and still-pressing topic? Journalists share how they created robust packages about one of education’s most persistent civil rights issues, and explain why they chose their sources, formats and story angles.

Federal executive orders target diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies at colleges while more than 30 states considered – and in some cases passed – similar measures to restrict DEI in recent years. Some universities eliminated DEI positions and policies while others weighed whether and how to comply, or are resisting through legal challenges. Panelists discuss the current DEI legal landscape, the ways schools are responding, and how it’s affecting faculty and students.

A spin-off from one of EWA’s popular session formats, this talk is designed for communicators and storytellers working within organizations. Participants hear from in-house communications professionals who led campaigns that drove engagement and impact through storytelling. They also detail what led to successful outcomes despite working within a challenging political environment.

About 40% of college students in the U.S. attend community college, institutions that enroll a large number of historically underrepresented students. But these schools are not often covered as much as other colleges. Here’s a how-to guide on diving into the intricacies of community colleges. How are they funded? Who is really going to community college? How can you access first-generation students, student parents and other learners who fall under the “new majority”?

In this hands-on workshop, digital safety experts demonstrate how to “dox” your own digital footprint, set up preventative measures to protect your safety and privacy, and respond to online threats and abuse.

Early education and child care emerged as a critical public policy issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though the sector had been on the verge of collapse for decades. Explore federal, state and local initiatives aimed at strengthening early learning programs. Enhance your understanding of the significant challenges facing the system, including access, cost and equity.

Providing public dollars for private schooling is gaining momentum state by state. Before journalists can look at the debate on vouchers, they need to look closely at the measures states are implementing. Follow the money. Examine the accountability measures. Investigate the transparency of the rules. Panelists guide reporters on how to effectively look at new school choice laws.

Participants tour The Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence in Illinois’ Belleville Township High School District 201. The center, which opened in 2022 and is already expanding its footprint and offerings, provides programs in a variety of fields – including aviation, welding, community health, early childhood education and more. Explore the facility; see live demonstrations, and learn about the district’s efforts to put students on the path to a career. Space is limited. (7645 Magna Dr. Ste. 1, Belleville, IL 62223) 

Burnout in Journalism

Join us for a presentation and discussion on what burnout is, what it isn’t and conversation on how the profession can better support journalists facing the syndrome. This session is open to journalists and community members.

Covering a Geographic Beat: Rural, Urban, Suburban

This caucus provides reporters with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of covering varying geographic areas. From demographic shifts to debates over discipline and curriculum reform, resource acquisition and sourcing, dive into the critical issues shaping different educational approaches in different geographies. These conversations, open to journalists and community members, occur separately in the same room. Maximum room capacity: 50 people. 

Covering Disasters on the Education Beat

Learn how education reporters can prepare to cover disasters – and how school districts think through emergency communications. This conversation is open to journalists and community members.

Journalists and Indigenous Education

This caucus provides reporters with the tools and insights needed to navigate reporting on Indigenous communities, education and other topics. This session is open to journalists and community members. 

Networking and Community for Black Journalists

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot issues in the industry and build community with others on the education beat. This session is open to journalists only. 

The 19th Class of EWA Reporting Fellows 

This is a closed, invite-only meeting.

Sponsored by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Math achievement and the inequities therein have proven difficult to solve. In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, math scores plummeted. Experts and educators continue to debate the solution. Should instruction be more conceptual or focus more on procedures? Should classrooms mix students of different levels, or should more advanced students be separated? A classroom teacher, a policy expert and an education expert discuss the questions journalists should be asking in their coverage.

The Black press has a long tradition of historically informed reporting and framing issues as matters of civil rights, race and democracy. Journalists and an archivist discuss how and why traditions of the Black press can be a guide to producing truly accurate first drafts of history in pursuit of democracy.

In the past couple of years, coverage of college affordability has largely focused on the student debt crisis and the recent FAFSA debacle. But what else should reporters know about college affordability? How much do students typically pay for college, and how do often-underreported costs, such as housing and food, create barriers for students? The panel explores FAFSA and how well students, counselors and families are prepared to review financial aid packages and pay for school.

Dual enrollment has grown rapidly in recent years. As more students take these courses, reporters must take a closer look at these programs to assess their quality and benefits. This session covers the goals of dual enrollment and how it differs from other college-level opportunities in high school, such as Advanced Placement classes. It also explores challenges with transferring credits and making these courses accessible to underrepresented student groups.

Climate change is reshaping schools. Extreme weather threatens learning, school infrastructure and student mental health. Meanwhile, school districts and colleges are taking steps to reduce their climate footprint and prepare students for a workforce altered by climate change. Experts and a student advocate discuss how climate change impacts schools at a time when the topic is increasingly politicized.

School shootings capture media coverage, but the majority of children killed and injured by guns are hurt outside of school. Evidence-based, solutions-focused violence prevention coverage can supplement traditional education coverage and help the newsroom tackle how a major public health issue is impacting children and families. Journalists and experts offer subject-matter expertise and recommendations for reporting.

Journalists share insights and the backstories to their in-depth reporting on undercovered and overlooked angles to postsecondary education – including Tribal colleges, rural community colleges and the rollback of affirmative action.

A flurry of legislation around the science of reading means many states now require evidence-based instruction, and schools have adopted new curricula. But neither guarantees changes in classroom practices – that depends on teachers, and whether they’re given the training and support needed to make a meaningful shift. Prepare to cover the implementation phase of this work by learning about the challenges, the importance of coaching and what high-quality professional development looks like.

Low expectations. Limited resources. Too few local opportunities. The obstacles that discourage and prevent students from succeeding in school are countless. Three principals share their stories of overcoming such challenges and creating a culture of high expectations to put students on the path to academic growth and success.

Misinformation and disinformation can lead to misunderstandings and significant harm, derailing evidence-based policy efforts and threatening public trust. Hear from experts about how to identify and address misinformation and disinformation as well as how they’ve navigated situations when faced with public outcry based on half-truths, alternative facts and outright lies.

After lunch, awards will be given out for the Ronald Moskowitz Prize for Outstanding Beat Reporting and the Fred M. Hechinger Grand Prize for Distinguished Education Reporting.

More than ever before, religion is playing a stronger role in public schools in several states. Some states have passed laws to allow – or even mandate – the posting of the 10 Commandments. Others are permitting “Bible-infused” curricula. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit to allow a religious charter school. What actions step over the legal line, and how should reporters cover this trend?

The Trump administration has issued several policies that target transgender people. The policies attempt to ban schools from teaching topics related to gender identity, bar transgender girls from women’s school sports and restrict transgender care for minors. Meanwhile, hundreds of similar state laws have passed since 2021. What is the current legal landscape for trans rights, and how can reporters best center trans youth safely?

How can reporters make the most of education research, especially given recent changes to the availability of some federal databases? Also, get a tutorial on a brand-new resource – designed specifically for education journalists – to help reporters easily find and incorporate research into the reporting process.

While recent studies show some signs of improvement in student mental health, historically high rates of depression and anxiety remain a top concern for experts, students, families and schools. But is the “crisis” narrative, which drives many stories on student mental health, helping or hurting? What does research say about which student populations are more likely to struggle, and which are less likely to receive support? And how is campus counseling evolving to meet a rising demand for services?

A long-standing favorite session at the National Seminar! Are op-eds still worth it? Does your organization need a podcast? Are Bluesky and Threads viable alternatives to X? Is TikTok still a thing? What social media listening tools are best? Do I really need to know about ChatGPT? How are changes to legacy newsrooms impacting your comms strategy? What topics are trending, and what’s now old news?

As career education grows more popular in the postsecondary education space, what is the future of humanities degrees and liberal arts colleges? Will the humanities only be accessible to the privileged? Panelists discuss the shifts in what students expect from higher education and the value of studying the humanities today. Find out how some colleges are adapting to help students be job-ready, and see the practical application of the humanities.

In a series of roundtable discussions, journalists talk through challenges frequently faced on the education beat. They offer strategies for gaining access to classrooms, documents and school officials. Speakers share tips for generating fresh story ideas, along with finding students and thoughtfully incorporating their voices into your reporting. Get guidance on balancing daily beat pressures with enterprise projects and on navigating the reporter-editor relationship.

Back by popular demand and revised to be more hands on, this session helps you hone your video skills. Get your hands on some apps; shoot some video, and learn from Emmy award-winning veteran broadcast journalists. Put away your notepad, and come ready to laugh, learn, and leave with tips you can use, whether working on your own or with a photographer. See how small cameras can help you aim for the heart, and make your stories more powerful.

A student with learning disabilities graduated high school never learning to read. Parents were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements while seeking solutions for their children’s special needs. A trans student qualified for special help at school because of a Biden administration rule inclusive of gender dysphoria. Journalists who covered these stories share their reporting strategies and challenges. A legal expert also describes how major changes at the federal level may impact students with disabilities.

As more local, state and federal policies and laws aim to restrict school discussion of race, racism and LGBTQ+ issues, research shows that some educators say they have curtailed their lessons on those topics while others say they will continue to teach their curricula regardless of any new constraints. But what do social studies lessons typically look like across the nation today, and what challenges – beyond restrictive laws – do history teachers often face?

What is the role of a university? They not only educate students and provide research hubs for scholars but can be a vital part of a local community. Washington University professors, students and deans discuss the evolving role of a college during a campus tour. Speakers discuss initiatives that bolster the local economy, connect with adult learners and address health care needs. The tour is 75 minutes. Space is limited.
Gary M. Sumers Welcome Center (University in, 1 Wrighton Way Washington, St. Louis, MO 63105)

Covering Children and Families 

Journalists network and share resources for expanding coverage of children and families in education reporting. This conversation is open to journalists and community members. 

Disabilities and Education Reporting

How do educators talk about disability within education? How can journalists include disability in their reporting, no matter the angle?  Break into the topic, network, identify reporting angles and build community in this caucus. This conversation is open to journalists and community members. 

Networking and Community for Asian American Journalists

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot issues in the industry and build community with others on the education beat. This session is open to journalists only. 

Networking and Community for Latinx Journalists

Join this caucus to network, share resources and build community on covering Latinx communities. This conversation is open to journalists and community members. 

Student Journalists Are Education Reporters

Student journalists discuss the challenges of university-level reporting. Students discuss the obstacles they face and what solutions would help them as they consider entering the profession. This conversation is open to journalists and community members. 

Sponsored by American Federation of Teachers

Sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York

Higher education is a busy beat these days. These sessions explore ongoing and new issues in higher education, including the landscape of campus protests and free speech, college finances amid threats to funding, and the impending enrollment decline. Sessions explore strategies for in-depth reporting, expert analysis on emerging trends and story ideas.

The Age of Protest, Identity and Culture on College Campuses
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 

Over the last decade, Black students and other students of color led college protests, demanding a reckoning of racial injustice and an inclusive environment. But recently, many schools implemented restrictive policies after students protested the Israel-Hamas war. Colleges are now under federal pressure to more forcefully police protests. How has the history of student activism informed protests of today? What approaches can reporters take to diversify sources and build better trust with them?

College Closures: Finding the Red Flags
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 

Colleges are closing at a rate of nearly one per week. Some universities have undergone mergers and consolidations. How can journalists find red flags indicating the school they cover may be in financial trouble? Plus, learn how to better center students, report on solutions to the budgetary crisis, and make sense of how recent threats to federal funding may put further pressure on college finances.

Who Is (and Isn’t) Going to College: Using Data In Reporting
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

The “demographic cliff” has been a looming concern for postsecondary education for nearly 20 years. There’s more to the story than the fact that fewer students are attending college. What kinds of enrollment stories can reporters uncover using data? The session gives reporters practical tips on how to source, pull and organize data as they cover crucial issues affecting enrollment – including attacks on DEI and student debt.

There’s much data on the education beat – test scores, graduation rates, discipline, spending, curriculum, student demographics, teacher pay and more – that can point reporters toward countless stories. Data can be used to identify trends, call out disparities, dispel myths or highlight successes. Learning to incorporate data into your reporting is an essential skill. Hear about useful data sources and tools, practical tips, best practices and story ideas.

Essential K-12 Data Sources – and How to Mine Them for Stories
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 

Getting data for a story is just the first step. Next comes the harder part: understanding and analyzing it. Researchers and think tanks have developed tools to help make sense of education data. They share data from different sources, allow for comparisons and make it easier to examine data across jurisdictions or demographic groups. Hear from experts about databases that can be used to tell stories on segregation, academic recovery and more.

Taking a Data-Driven Approach to Education Reporting
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Journalists with expertise in crunching and wrangling data to tell compelling stories share their tips. Understand how to incorporate data into your everyday reporting routines. Get advice on what to do when the data doesn’t exist or is incomplete. Learn about disappearing federal data and preservation efforts. Hear about data sources education reporters should regularly request and examine, and understand the stories they can point you toward.