Two of our Bixby High School students participated in a legislative forum today hosted by Broken Arrow Public Schools. Legislators and students from the Tulsa area gathered to discuss all things public education. There was a sense of urgency in the room that could be felt as students shared their thoughts, concerns, and feedback with our elected officials.
The urgent issues surrounding public education today and the challenges students, teachers, counselors and administrators face on a daily basis can be daunting. However, when you enter a room full of students sharing their vision, you can’t help but have incredible hope for the future and an appreciation for all the amazing things happening in our public schools.
Student participants brought up tough questions like:
What is being done in Oklahoma to combat climate change and build a sustainable future for our state?
How can we inspire younger kids, at the elementary level to become involved with STEAM?
What action is being taken to fund safety measures for schools in the wake of Parkland and countless other tragedies caused by gun violence?
For students who have always wanted to be an educator, and virtual schools gaining popularity, will there be a job for us?
Research has shown that the arts help kids in all academic areas and inspire them in ways core subjects do not, what is being done to protect these programs in the age of seemingly constant cuts to education?
How can the legislature ensure proper funding for education? How do things like virtual charters and the energy industry affect funding for brick and mortar public schools?
How can we make sure there is a qualified teacher in every classroom?
These are hard questions with no easy answer. The important thing is, we have a generation about to spring into adulthood that is ready to tackle the toughest of issues and work together to find solutions.
Our Spartans made us proud today and even got to catch up with our very own, Mrs. Melissa Provenzano, former BHS Vice Principal and current member of the OK House of Representatives. We know that continued conversations like this will result in a better Oklahoma for all!