On February 26, 2025, a delegation of Pearland students, organized into two teams, will travel to Austin to participate in Pearland Day at the Texas Capitol. Led by Deputy Superintendent Kelly Holt and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Charles Allen, the students will engage in a day of civic advocacy, visiting ten different legislative offices to present their student-generated legislative priorities.
These priorities, developed through rigorous research and thoughtful discussion, reflect the students’ deep understanding of the issues facing their community and the state. They will be shared with legislators and their staff to influence policy and foster positive change.
The student-generated legislative priorities include:
- School Food and Nutrition: Advocating for increased state funding to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals.
- GPA Standardization: Supporting a uniform GPA calculation system for Dual Language and CTE programs, with local waiver options.
- STAAR Testing Reform: Reducing STAAR test pressure through flexible scheduling and alignment with classroom learning.
- Standardized Teacher Curriculum and Grading: Pushing for state guidelines that balance consistency with local adaptability.
- Post-Graduation Skills and Financial Literacy Education: Mandating a post-graduation skills class focused on financial literacy and life skills.
- School Transportation Funding: Securing increased state funding for safe and reliable student transportation.
- AP Coursework and Conservative State Bans: Opposing legislation restricting AP courses and advanced academic programs.
- Censorship in Sexual and Gender Education: Protecting comprehensive sexual and gender education from state censorship.
- CPS Officer on School Campuses: Child Protective Services (CPS) officers are placed on school campuses for timely intervention.
- Cellphone Access in Public Schools: Advocating for guidelines that balance technology integration with minimizing distractions, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all students that does not result in a ban, teacher ownership of enforcement, or increased expenditure requirements.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to experience the legislative process firsthand and to make their voices heard,” said Pearland ISD Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger. “We are immensely proud of their dedication and their commitment to civic engagement.”
The students’ participation in Pearland Day is made possible through the generous support of several community partners, including LED Partners, Memorial Hermann, and Regions Bank.
