What is NIE?

Newspapers in Education (NIE) is a cooperative effort between schools, sponsors and The Eagle Times to promote the use of newspapers as an educational resource. The Eagle Times Newspapers in Education Program provides students throughout our region with newspapers to use as additional tools within the classroom as the newspaper is the most up-to-date textbook in the world. By using daily news, editorials, features and even advertising, students in all grade levels can learn math, geography, history, meteorology and current events and how each aspect shapes our world and the community we live in. 

Numerous studies completed at the beginning of the 1990's showed that students who used the newspaper in the classroom on a weekly basis have higher reading, writing and critical thinking skills than students who did not use the newspaper.
In addition, a 1997 Japanese survey found that:

1. Using the newspaper in the classroom increased students' home discussions about current events.
2. One out two students gained enthusiasm toward studying.
3. Students were more willing to listen to the opinion of others.

Feedback from area teachers reinforces these findings. Research currently being conducted throughout the United States also suggests the same results.

According to a recent Newspaper Association of America Foundation study, students in school with Newspapers in Education programs did 10 percent better than students in schools that had no NIE programs. "The goal of the NIE program is to create a generation of critical readers and asking them to examine different writing styles within the newspaper is a great way to help them develop critical reading skills" says Jim Abbott, manager of educational programs at the NAA Foundation. "Knowing the difference between persuasive writing, such as advertisements and editorials and reporting helps students understand what is being read and what the writer is trying to achieve."

Reading everyday is imperative for children. Reading increases vocabulary, writing skills and knowledge of the world around us. What better way to increase knowledge about the community and the world than by reading a newspaper?

Under this program the Eagle Times provides newspapers at a very reduced rate, paid for by area sponsors and businesses, for use by teachers in the classroom. All the donations received by business sponsors and individuals, in its entirety, is used for this program.