Although journalism has often traditionally been an offshoot of the English Department in many high schools, in some districts it may fit better under the umbrella of Career Technical Education pathways. Print publications (newspapers, magazines, yearbooks), radio and video broadcast programs, photojournalism and Web news content count in some districts under the federally identified Arts, A/V Technology & Communications cluster.
The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium website describes this as “designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services”). Broadcast video production is already recognized by almost all states, and many schools implement their video programs with a focus on broadcast journalism.
The Journalism Education Association is working to establish an even better “fit” for journalism under the federal career cluster definition by examining how JEA’s established certification process may become an acceptable path to state CTE teacher certification, and by developing a student branch that CTE federal mandates require.
JEA also is exploring a way to have an approved Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), another requirement for CTE programs. These organizations provide opportunities for practicing leadership roles and for applying specific occupational and academic content beyond the classroom.