Kristina gets some training in investigative reporting

I've been at Northwestern University for the past four days learning about computer-assisted reporting. The fellowship is with the Education Writers Association, and it has been a terrific learning experience. I have new skills with Excel and Access that I can use to crunch numbers and create some compelling original reporting for Aspen Public Radio!

The first evening, George Papajohn spoke to the group of 20 reporters. He's The Chicago Tribune's associate managing editor for investigations and their consumer watchdog group. Papajohn has much experience culling stories from existing and original data. He directed our group to read a series of stories on the effects of the No Child Left Behind legislation, from 2004 and by reporter Stephanie Banchero. It is held up as an example of stellar reporting - and as a story that did not end the way the reporter may have predicted. It's a 3-part series you can check out here.