School Video News Burleson High School Profile

March, 2008

Burleson High School Profile

Broadcast Journalism I

Grades 10-12

Weight: 1 Credit: 1

Broadcast Journalism II

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism I

Weight: 1 Credit: 1

Operation and use of television production equipment; fundamentals of television production and direction. Students will be exposed to a variety of television production situations. Lab experience is directed toward producing news stories for broadcast media. Students will produce video packages for ELK TV the weekly high school news program, the Student Television Network, the BISD Broadcast Network (BBN), iTunes, and various other video related contests. Emphasis on principles, history, techniques, and forms of broadcast communication.

Broadcast Journalism III

Grade 12

Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism I and/or II

Weight: 1 Credit: 1

This class contains the production staff for ELK TV including the anchors, producers, editors, and camera operators. Operation and use of television production equipment; fundamentals of television production and direction. Students will be exposed to a variety of television production situations. Lab experience is directed toward producing news stories for broadcast media. Students will produce video packages for ELK TV the weekly high school news program, the Student Television Network, the BISD Broadcast Network (BBN), iTunes, and various other video related contests. Emphasis on principles, history, techniques, and forms of broadcast communication.

We had a chance to talk to Stephanie Mills, (who also is the Cheerleading Coach!) about Burleson’s exciting program:

SVN: Tell us about your background and how you decided to start teaching TV/Video production?

SM: I received my Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Angelo State University in 1999. I planned to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, but while in college I lost two of my dearest friends, which made me rethink my decision to move far away from home and travel the world. I decided that I would rather go back to school to obtain my teaching certification. At that time, high school broadcast programs in Texas were starting to grow rapidly, and I was lucky to secure a job with Burleson High School to build their program from scratch in the Spring of 2001. We have definitely grown since then!.

SVN: How did you obtain initial funding for your program? How do you fund the class now?

SM: The broadcast journalism class does have a small budget each school year, but that money basically covers membership dues, contest fees, and small supplies such as batteries. Many of the set items we have were donated. One of our school resource officers has “adopted” our program and donated countless hours of his time and money to our set. We simply would not have near what we do have without his construction knowledge and support. This year we began selling sponsorship spots for our weekly show.

SVN: Did you have equipment available?

SM: Since I was the teacher that began the program, I was able to suggest/order needed items. I am fortunate to work in a district that fully supports our program. I also have gotten to know our administrative technology staff who is in charge of funding most of the technology equipment needed for our class. Of course, we always long for more equipment or the latest and greatest technology. We edit with Final Cut.

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