1

Intro to Digital News & TV Production (Majors)

PASEO ACADEMY OF FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
MANUAL CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Wise Shall Be the Bearers of Light. The ultimate inspiration is the deadline.
-Walter Williams, founder Missouri School of Journalism -Nolan Bushnell
2014 2015 Syllabus
Location: Classroom 138 - TV Lab Room 123
Instructor: Kelly D. Hicks
Contact information:
Email: kgerding@kcmsd.net or mshicks@paseobroadcasting.com
Edmodo: Edmodo.com *more info below
Phone: 816-418-2329, from 6:50am - 8:00am or by appointment

Grading: 90-100% = A Required Text: Television Production & Broadcast
80-89% = B Journalism - Second Edition
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
59% = F

I. The Course:
Introduction to Television Production is a one-year course, grades 9-12, offered as part of
enrolling as a majors. This course introduces the basic skills needed to enter the broadcast
production industry. Skills learned in this course also help students to be college, career, and
work force ready. These skills include: confidence in social settings, public speaking, writing
skills, awareness of current events, exploration of current and developing digital platforms, and
opportunities for individual creativity. Students will not advance to the advance course without
mastering the following:

II. Learning Objectives:
Students will experience an overview of equipment, job responsibilities, and techniques involved
in both traditional studio production and remote location work.

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Use correct vocabulary and industry terms.
2. Understand principles involved in camera operation, picture composition,
scriptwriting, lighting, remote shooting, directing, and more.
3. Understand the basic phases of completing a broadcast product. (i.e. newscasts,
commercials, PSAs, talk shows, music videos, etc.)
4. Confidently conduct research and independently secure all visual/written materials
needed for projects.
5. Independently shoot footage for projects on-location, in studio, or at school events.
6. Perform postproduction editing & output in the appropriate format for distribution.
7. Demonstrate a general knowledge of audio and sound mixing techniques.





2


III. Class Policies & Procedures:
(Including, but not limited to the following:)

Television Broadcasting is a unique discipline. In real life, there are no extensions for
deadlines in broadcasting. The 6pm news airs at 6pm everyday. A TV commercial must be
produced and ready by deadline, or a company loses millions. Even movies have hard deadlines.

Because this course is designed to prepare you for broadcasting (and real life), it is important you understand the
following:

(___Student Initial)
_____ Attendance is mandatory. There are 10 participation points to earn everyday. Missing
class without an office approved excuse is an automatic zero. Dont ask to go do work in other
classes. Complete work/exams prior to going on a field trip.

____Being on time is mandatory. IN YOUR SEAT when the bell rings. Being late will cost
you participation points, and could have you designated as missed deadline losing out on the
work for the day. Dont ask me to repeat material you missed. Use class resources (web page,
Edmodo, peers) to catch up. Do not draw attention to yourself if you walk in late.

____RESPECT! Respect peers, instructor, guests. Or you will be escorted from the classroom.

____No distractions. We have a lot of expensive equipment for student use. We have a lot of
important material to master. This is not a time to be on your phone or have headphones in.
THEY WILL BE TAKEN ON SIGHT. Dont set them next to your keyboard, or on your lap
get them out of sight. If you abuse this policy, youll receive a zero in participation points for
the day. Put them away before you come to class. Charge your phone at the student charging
station in class on mute.

____NO FOOD / DRINK / GUM / CANDY OF ANY KIND IN THE ROOM. No exceptions.
You will receive a zero for participation for the day.

____It is a privilege to be able to work outside of the classroom. If you are disruptive in any
way, youll lose this privilege.

____No extensions. A deadline is a deadline. If you go on a field trip, that deadline is the same
no extensions. If you miss school for one day, the project deadline remains the same no
extensions. If you are out longer, but dont have an office excused absence the deadline remains
the same no extensions. Youll have plenty of notice, and deadlines are posted in class, on the
web and on Edmodo. Plan ahead and dont wait until the last minute! Use your time wisely.

____Be a self-starter: Work independently, taking it upon yourself to follow instructions, pay
attention to detail, and remember deadlines. Bring proper materials to class.

___Follow policies and procedures as outlined in the KCPS student handbook, up to and
including items previously mentioned, as well as proper attire: no hats/hoods, half shirts, tanks,
sunglasses, etc. Follow proper theater etiquette policies.
I have read and understand the expectations for the broadcasting program. I understand that not
meeting these expectations could result in consequences including and up to recommendation for
being demitted from the program.. Turn this in to the instructor.


3
Name: ________________________Date:_____ Electronic copy on your computer desktop.

IV. Course Requirements:

Each Student will:
1. Participate in all classroom discussions
2. Maintain a course BINDER (provided by teacher, kept in class) containing handouts,
assignments and other important materials.
3. Submit scripts for all projects in the appropriate format.
4. Keep a file on the computer desktop of all their completed production work.
5. Serve as a crewmember on the production of fellow classmates projects.
6. Report all broken and dysfunctional equipment ASAP.
7. Complete assignments and meet deadlines.
8. Complete a final exam covering projects, readings, class discussions and lecture.
9. Follow the following computer usage policies:
a. DO NOT have anything edible (food, drink, etc) around the computers.
b. DO NOT plug anything into computers (including jump drives) w/o permission.
c. DO NOT work on other classs assignments on the computers.
d. DO NOT open any web sites that are not directly related to assignments.
***I CAN MONITOR & ACCESS ALL COMPUTERS FROM MY DESK.***

FIRST OFFENSE - you are off the computer for a day.
SECOND OFFENSE - you are off the computer for a week.
THIRD OFFENSE - you will no longer be able work on computers for the remainder of your time in
the class.
*I F YOU LOSE COMPUTER PRI VI LEGES YOU ARE STI LL EXPECTED TO
COMPLETE ASSI GNMENTS WI TH A PERSONAL COMPUTER AT HOME OR I N THE
LI BRARY, OR HAND WRI TE THEM.

V. Class attendance and participation policy:

YOU START EACH CLASS PERIOD WITH 10 PARTICIPATION POINTS.

HERES HOW YOU LOSE THEM:
UNEXCUSED TARDY: LOSS OF 2 POINTS
MISSING CLASS: AUTOMATIC ZERO (unless note from VP/registrar)
HEAD ON DESK: Various deductions
SLEEPING IN CLASS: AUTOMATIC ZERO
EXCESSIVE TALKING: The more times you are asked to stop, the more points you
lose
FOOD/DRINK/GUM: AUTOMATIC ZERO (clear class rule, protects equipment,
desks)
PHONE USE/VISIBLE: AUTOMATIC ZERO (clear class rule, distraction)
HEADPHONE USE: AUTOMATIC ZERO (clear class rule, distraction)
OTHER: Rude behavior, not following directions, not participating in task, etc.

VI. Extra credit policy:

4
You are expected to complete all classwork and put effort into projects & assessments.
Do not think you can do poorly, and make it up with extra credit. There are rare
opportunities to earn E.C. take advantage when it happens. Dont rely on it.

SIMPLE KEYS TO SUCCESS:
**BE ON TIME. **BE ON TASK. **MEET DEADLINES

VII. Class Resources:

1. Our class web page: www.paseobroadcasting.com
--Instructor contact information
--Syllabus
--Expectations & Procedures
--Assignments
--Class schedule
--KCPS-TV information

2. Edmodo:
--Students will be added to groups based on their class.
--Students use their computer id/password to log in to Edmodo.
--Guardians: Go to Edmodo.com
Click on Parents, fill out the requested information
Your parent code is: _____________________

3. Project & progress posted in classroom

4. Tyler
Monitor attendance/tardiness, participation points (I make comments explaining
any loss of points), assignments and grade status.

VIII. More about the KCPS-TV Coordinator & Instructor:

Justin Robinson, KCPS-TV Coordinator
Email: jrobinso@kcmsd.net

Mr. Robinson came to KCPS from the television industry. This is his third year in the
broadcasting program. In his first year, he was the broadcast instructor. Last year he transitioned
into the KCPS-TV coordinator position overseeing content for the cable station, recruiting, and
helping the district with coverage of important events. He is also a track coach for the district.
Robinson worked as a reporter in Indiana, St. Joseph, and here in Kansas City at KMBC Channel
9 (ABC). He is a graduate of Hickman Mills High School in KC, and Tulane University. He is
married and the father of three.

Kelly D. Hicks, Paseo Broadcasting Instructor
Email: kgerding@kcmsd.net or mshicks@paseobroadcasting.com

Ms. Hicks also came straight from the TV industry to Paseo. This is her second year in
the broadcasting program. Before transitioning into teaching, Hicks worked at TV stations in
Missouri, Iowa, California, Indiana and here in Kansas City. Most recently, she managed
newsrooms as Executive Producer for nearly 10 years at KCTV5 (CBS), and then in the same

5
position at 41 Action News (NBC.) Hicks is originally from Indiana, is a graduate of the Mizzou
School of Journalism, is married, and has three boys, two dogs, and two birds.

Read more about opportunities to shoot Paseo & district events on PaseoBroadcasting.com
Read more about KCPS-TV on PaseoBroadcasting.com


SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE
Intro to Digital News & TV Production (Majors)


I have read and understand the contents of this syllabus and all the given class information. I
understand that participation, performance, and hard deadlines are essential in a television
production and broadcast journalism class and to remaining enrolled in the program.

I also understand that it may be necessary for changes to be made to the course content
throughout the year. I further understand that any and all information will be given to my child
in class and in an advanced and timely manner. The instructor, in turn, will continue to update
the online grading program in an advanced and timely manner.

I have read and understand the grading, participation, tardy/attendance, attire policies and
understand these policies can impact _________________________________s (<Print childs name)
grade in the class.

I understand students do not receive deadline extensions, except for rare circumstances. Nor will
students be able to request extra credit to make up for poor work done during the semester.
Repeated abuse of any of the expectations/policies will warrant a call or email home as a first
step.

And I further understand I have full access to student progress and the current assignment
deadlines on the online grading system, as well as PaseoBroadcasting.com.

Please contact me as needed: kgerding@kcmsd.net / mshicks@paseobroadcasting.com


Parent Signature Contact e-mail Date

______________________ __________________________ ____________

Parent Contact Phone Number(s):

Cell:__________________ Work:____________________ Home:____________

Best way to reach you? (circle one) EMAIL CELL WORK# HOME#


Student Signature

Print:____________________________ Date______________________

Sign:____________________________ Class Hour:________________


6
*The return of this form is required for class credit.