• Introduction

My research set out to answer the question:  To what extent do high school media specialists and teachers self-censor controversial topics?  After careful analysis, I feel that some self-censorship does inevitably occur.  However, the issue is not quite as wide-spread and rampant as I would have believed.  This website details my results and conclusions based on the research data I received.  The Results section displays the results of my research instrument which included a Likert scale of 25 controversial topics and three additional survey questions that could help clarify educators’ opinions and thought processes when it comes to self-censoring.  The Discussion and Conclusion section explains how I have answered my research question and references specific data from my research.  Finally, the recommendations section includes how I will use this information to change my own practices as well as the practices of other educators.   

  • Background

This research subject was taken on because I felt that many teachers and media specialists are self-          censoring materials.  I believed that this was happening because as an educator I found myself self-          censoring when it came to choosing books and materials for an extracurricular student book club.   I was shocked when I discovered myself doing this as I usually consider myself quite liberal when it comes to choices and intellectual freedom.  The purpose of this research study was to measure what extent self-censorship is happening in others' classrooms and media centers.

  • Researchable Question

To what extent do high school media specialists and teachers self-censor controversial topics?

  • Importance of Study

The issue of self-censorship is important because teachers and librarians may be denying students the very subjects that they need to be exposed to.  The practice of self-censorship by educators may be detrimental to our young people.  Teachers and media specialists need to be more aware of the decisions they make and the key factors leading to those decisions.  

 

  • Context of Study

The survey instrument was distributed to teachers and media specialists in three northeast 

Georgia high schools in order to attempt to determine if self-censorship of school materials was occurring.