Over the last year, as I've been following the RTT and other big issues affecting states and districts, I've read literally thousands of articles from magazines, blogs, and local, state, regional, and national newspapers. So I've developed a deeper appreciation for good reporting--getting all the details, drilling in on tough issues, finding new angles, and, above all else, analyzing (not just reciting) the information available.
So I read the list of 2009 Education Writers Association reporting awards with increased attention. I'm not familiar with all of the works or authors honored, but I was particularly happy to see wins for the team at Gotham Schools, Paulson of CSM, De Vise and Turque of WP, Carr of the Times-Picayune, Song of LAT, Hammond of the Oregonian, Quaid of AP, and Medina of NYT.
I don't know how the team at Education Week didn't get an award--particularly for McNeil's and Klein's work on the ARRA. Others deserving attention--at least in this one reader's opinion--include the Baltimore Sun, The Tennessean, The News Journal (DE), Denver Post, Sac Bee, WSJ, Montgomery Advertiser, USAT (Toppo), Providence Journal, Detroit News, Birmingham News, and Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Congrats to all.
--Andy Smarick