| News framing is defined as the act of emphasizing certain aspects of a news issue, causing "individuals to focus on these considerations when constructing their opinions" (Druckman, 2001, p. 1042) while simultaneously drawing attention away from other aspects (Entman, 1993). Framing, therefore, works to fashion a type of figurative frame around a news issue, keeping in certain topic areas and excluding others (Jamieson & Waldman, 2003). Moreover, news frames highlight certain sources over others, rendering some actors influential and others irrelevant.; This study uses an inductive, exploratory method to identify and explicate news frames and frame sponsorship in U.S. educational testing news, using a sample taken from September, 2000 to June, 2001. Identified frames are validated through a series of cross-checks built into the method, providing substantial evidence of the veracity of each frame type.; Frames identified in this study include one overarching, officially-sponsored/sanctioned frame, Accountability, and three individual issue frames: Market Forces, Analysis, and Student Stakes. Each of these frames promotes an official test-based education policy; therefore, each works to strengthen large scale controls over local public education (as designated in state legislation across the U.S. as well as in the federal legislation, No Child Left Behind). No unofficial frames are identified, indicating that the range of discussion is "indexed" to official opinion (Bennett, 1990; Zaller & Chiu 1996).; Frame explication includes a description of framing content, language, values, symbols, myths, and metaphors. This description works not only to increase understanding of news framing for this topic, but also assists in the identification of conflicting ideas useful in the creation of an alternate news frame. This study, therefore, contains recommendations for developing an alternate news frame in a bid to improve frame parity for this issue (Entman, 1991). |
