Why?
"There is substantial evidence that using newspapers in schools contributes to students’ reading skills, writing skills, and current event knowledge. The effects are most dramatic among minorities." (Edward F. DeRoche, Dean, School of Education, University of San Diego) Literacy experts believe that adults with low level literacy skills lack a sufficient foundation of basic skills to function successfully in our society. By providing schools with newspapers, sponsors can help prevent illiteracy at time when young people have a support system of educators in place. Newspapers open the world to them and give them a chance to succeed.

Who is involved?
We’re a partnership consisting of sponsors, teachers, students and The Press-Enterprise committed to the youth of our community. The Press-Enterprise absorbs all NIE administrative costs. The Press-Enterprise also offers the newspapers to schools at a special education rate. To supplement the newspapers, the NIE team assists teachers by providing curriculum guides, workshops, tours, supplemental programs, and special events such as the Spelling Bee and other competitions.

Teachers use the newspapers as textbooks and supplements in areas such as reading, writing, math, science, history, economics, language arts, special education, English as a second language and more. The newspaper can be incorporated into nearly any classroom subject and grade level from kindergarten to adult education.

Newspapers are considered the most up-to-date, inexpensive textbook available to students. The skills gained from regular newspaper exposure make each student a better learner, a better problem-solver, and a better leader.
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