Hofmeister announces new Student Advisory Council members

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  • Student Advisory Council members
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Elgin High School student Delaney York will join 96 other Oklahoma high school students on the 2021 Student Advisory Council.

Next year marks the sixth consecutive year for the group, which assists State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education on policy issues. York is returning for her second stint with the group.

“Students have a lot to say about their education, and it is critical that we listen to them,” Hofmeister said in a news release. “The direct insight we receive from our students is incredibly valuable, and each year I am encouraged by the thoughtful reflection and fearless vision of these brilliant young leaders.”

The 2020 Student Advisory Council had its last virtual meeting in June, when students discussed their challenges about learning amid a global pandemic and how racism affects the classroom experience, according to the news release. The council’s feedback has been instrumental in developing state initiatives to provide teachers with more professional development in trauma-informed instruction, replace end-of-course high school testing with the ACT or SAT, and pilot Individual Career Academic Planning, according to the news release.

The students, who were recommended by their district superintendents, hail from across Oklahoma and represent rural, urban and suburban schools of all sizes. Forty-four are returning members who have served on the council in previous years.

The first virtual meeting of the Student Advisory Council is scheduled for Jan. 26.

In addition to York, members of the new council and their districts include Opal Giblet, Cordell; Abigail Harmon, Hobart; Jaden Johnston, Velma-Alma; Mariah Martin, Ringling; Carter Norvell, Frederick; and Rylie Pass, Bray Doyle.