A child in the media I
An educational reform is underway in the country, according to which standard-determining tests must be carried out at the end of the 3rd grade. Based on the results, pupils will be divided into level groups in subjects for the next academic year. Such a change causes lots of disputes in the media. The journalist Kate decides to cover the reform from the children’s perspective and travels to an area of the underprivileged to obtain a view of the reform through the eyes of the children living there. She searches various sources for contacts of the members of the parent councils (boards of trustees) of the schools in the area, and manages to contact Thomas, the father of a 3rd grader. Kate explains that she wants to reflect the concerns related to the standard-determining tests from the pupils’ point of view and asks for permission to conduct a TV interview on the topic of the tests with Thomas’ son.
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 will give my permission for the interview, but on the condition that I can review it before it goes on the air.
- 2. I will say that I really appreciate the fact that journalist Kate wants to give children a voice in the media. However, I will not give my permission to conduct an interview with my son, but advise the journalist to ask for opinions of 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 say that 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. Children have less tension and more excitement together. I will also give the journalist the phone numbers of the parents of my children’s friends.
- 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.