Education Reporting That Counts: Covering the 2020 Census

The federal head count of the nation’s residents is underway, and federal officials are turning to public schools to help spread the word. The outcome of the census could have significant implications for public schools and education funding: It helps determine federal funding for programs and services, as well as congressional districting.

What do education reporters need to know about the Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools program, which is providing teachers with materials such as rhyming songs and civics lessons to educate students about the importance of the census? How can reporters tap existing census data to inform stories on district and student demographics? And why is there a ramped-up sense of urgency about counting the nation’s youngest children in 2020?

You can also download the speakers’ presentation slides here:

• Vicki Glasier presentation slides
• Nora Gordon presentation slides
• Esther Yoon-Ji Kang presentation slides

This webinar was presented on March 12, 2020.