The "hands on" approach is used. As part of the class students are asked to produce a notebook with class notes on basic journalism as well as a "cut" and "paste" collection of professional samples gleaned from the local newspaper.

        The objectives of The Twin Towers are to put into "practice" the "theory" of journalism within the stated Guidelines and editorial policies.

     Guidelines and Editorial Policies    

        The Bishop McDevitt High School newspaper, known as The Twin Towers, has the following initial caveats, which define the rig1lts, restrictions and responsibilities of the high school student journalist. At Bishop McDevitt the official guidelines have been set many years ago that they have become "traditional," and accepted without question.
        However, in recent years various court decisions have extended first Amendment freedom of expression to students; this has alerted the school administration and journalism instructors to the wise-ness of formulating guidelines or re-evaluating and updating existing ones. IdeaU3':, official guidelines form not only a framework within which student Journalists understand they must function, but also an escape hatch for administrators and sponsors when anyone brings a complaint about content of a school publication.

    Official Guidelines of The Twin Towers   

        In light of the Supreme Court decision in the Hazelwood case, the school newspaper advisor acting for the school principal who is in reality the publisher insists that an material for publication is to be filtered through the newspaper adviser. Therefore, no negative or anti-administration or faculty articles will be permitted.
        The Purpose of The Twin Towers publication is defined as a forum for student viewpoints consistent with constitutional regulations, a learning laboratory and a means of communication both within the school and between school, the supporting parishes, the parents, and community at large.
        The Publications Board consists of the principal and the newspaper adviser exists as the primary caretaker of the student newspaper. There will be strict restrictions on and responsibilities of student journalists to avoid publishing libelous, obscene or disruptive material. Concern will be shown to avoid invasion of privacy.
        The paper will be published as a means to an end; i.e. teaching hands on. journalism., rather than an end In Itself. The school IS to be the place of distribution. This IS a premise based on federal law, but journalism students do not have the right to interrupt a class to pass out non-sanctioned or underground publications,
        All students who can fit the journalism class into their schedule have an equal opportunity to participate in the journalism program.

    Specific Editorial Policy            Our Editorial policies conform both to the letter, as well as the spirit of the law as the guidelines do. They are the business of the staff, and the adviser In the interest of good relations, the Principal, the school board and the community. The editorial policy is simply the decision of the staff, determined before publication starts in the new school year on a positive purpose and with ethical standards of content that foster the ideals of our Catholic high school.

 This editorial policy will enforce the following:
        I. Foster coverage of various school departments and activities in a balanced manner.
        2. Profanity or' suggestive" (questionable taste) material not to be allowed.
        3. Editorials will be written by the editorial staff with a by line.
        4. Controversial material will be published with a purpose to view all views.
        5. Adequate space will be provided for letters to the editor. These letters must be signed.
        6. The staff will edit for length, grammar} punctuation and obscene or libelous content?
        7. Bylines are used, not only for recognition of writer, but also to hold individuals accountable.
        8. Will the publication cover community and outside news as well as school news?
        9. All corrections of errors and retractions of misinformation will be prompt.
        10. No questionable photos, cartoons or illustrations will be allowed.

Students in the Journalism class will stress:
THE "INVERTED TRIANGLE" (or "INVERTED PYRAMID") STYLE
The most common and effective way to write any news story is in the inverted pyramid
style; The formula is graphically simple.

This Style [The Inverted triangle] is a device for aiding the layout of the paper; each story can be cut at the last paragraph, thus not removing any important, or significant facts from the story.