Hofmeister, Student Advisory Council voice classroom concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, along with her Student Advisory Council, voiced their concerns about learning amid the pandemic and how racism impacts the classroom.

The group consisted of spring 2020 graduates and members of the Class of 2021.

Students said the transition to distance learning this past spring was confusing for many causing some students to lose focus and drive.

Others said they were worried they would miss skills needed for college and sensed their teachers were unprepared to use technology for virtual instruction.

"Normally, we're used to being able to pick what happens in our lives, especially when it comes to school. We weren't able to do that [with the pandemic]," said Paeton Watkins of Stillwater High School.

"Connectivity is key, and that is our biggest hurdle," said Hofmeister. "We are determined that internet service for all be a basic utility of life. Just like water and electricity, all students should have internet at home."

Prompted by current events, students also discussed their experiences with racial and ethnic identity in schools.

"Everyone in my class looked like me, and I wasn't aware of the struggles other people faced. I couldn't sympathize with it because I didn't understand it," said Mariah Martin of Ringling.

"We need a better curriculum to teach people the mistakes of our past and how we can do better going forward," said Natalie Rojo of Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy.

"We are not bystanders," Hofmeister said. "There's power in youth, and we must change things."