Kevin Benoit says journalism teaches Portrait skills but needs administrative support
Kevin Benoit, school program manager at Press Pass NYC, says journalism builds critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement. He has worked in schools across Brooklyn and Queens and says no one-size-fits-all approach will work without trained teachers and support.
Good afternoon, I'm Kevin Benoit.
I am a Brooklyn resident, Brooklyn native.
I am also the school program manager for Press Pass, so I'll definitely be doubling down what we've been saying here.
Portrait of a Graduate sets out to support students so that they are critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens, and ready to learn, work, grow, create, and contribute.
Student journalism checks all those boxes in real-time, hands-on ways.
When a student reports a story, they investigate, verify facts, and weigh competing accounts.
That is critical thinking in action.
When they write, edit, and publish for their peers, they practice clear communication for a real audience.
And when they're reporting, tackle civic questions.
Such as the student news team debunking rumors about immigration enforcement in their school.
or investigating practical impact of citywide phone bank, they act as engaged global citizens who are accountable for what they publish.
However, what I've witnessed in schools over the years is that student journalism requires support from local government and school administrators to thrive.
While media and technology involve, the fundamental principles of journalism remain constant.
It's important that we have programs that introduce students to meaningful journalism, teach fundamental principles, and provide a support system of trained teachers and administrators who are excited to build student newsroom.
Press Pass NYC does just that.
I've worked in schools in Canarsie, East Flatbush, Williamsburg, Bushwick, Jamaica, Queens, Crown Heights, etc., etc.
What I will say is there is no one-size-fits-all.
And I think that is one of the things we heard today.
There's a lot that needs to be figured out and hopefully will be figured out.
Hopefully the council continues to push back on some of the things you heard today.
Journalism is one of the aspects that can help with portrait to graduate, but there is so much more that needs to be figured out.