A child in the media I
An educational reform is being introduced that requires standardised tests at the end of 3rd grade. Based on the results, pupils will be grouped by level in subjects for the following school year. The change has sparked media debate. Journalist Kate decides to explore the reform from children’s perspectives and visits a disadvantaged area to gather their views. She searches for contacts from local school parent councils and reaches Thomas, father of a 3rd grader. Kate explains her aim to highlight concerns about the tests from pupils’ viewpoints and asks permission to interview Thomas’ son for a TV segment.
What would you do in Thomas' place?
- 1. While listening to children’s opinions is important, it is too rarely done in the media. I agree with the interview but ask to review it before airing.
- 2. I appreciate giving voice to children in media but ask the journalist to contact older students who have more experience with the standard-determining tests.
- 3. I will say that if my child wants to give an interview, then I have no reason to refuse.
- 4. I will give my permission on the condition that the journalist interviews both my child and a couple of his classmates at the same time and provide the phone numbers of other parents.
- 5. I will say that my child can only be interviewed with me, because such a small child cannot speak alone on the topic of standard-determining tests.