Published On: March 21st, 2017By Leticia Fehling

State Legislators Hear From Aldine ISD Students, Educators During Literacy Education Day in Austin

Each participant provided a voice and a face to the issues that are confronting our state and educational system.

AISD-and-Nimitz-HS-Students-Take-Part-in-Literacy-Education-Day-1

Ángel Martínez Mata, Jill Aufill, Dr. Cindy Benge, Representative Armando Walle, Kevin Nguyen, Darell Neman Neman and Christopher Neuman (l-r) pose for a picture at the Capitol in Austin.

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]T[/dropcap]he Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) invited Aldine ISD to take part in the 2017 Literacy Education Day this spring semester.

Students from Aldine, Eisenhower and Nimitz Senior High Schools took part.

The opportunity helped students gain a better understanding of the legislative process. But is also gave students an opportunity to advocate for student literacy. They got to tell his or her literacy story to the state representative and/or senator. Students got to discuss the impact that state assessment has had on their education.

Additionally, students got to talk with the Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. They also met with Representative Armando Walle and Senator Alma A. Allen.

Cindy Benge from Aldine ISD traveled to Austin with the students. Benge is the AISD program director of high school language arts.

“Legislators want to hear from students,” said Benge. “Their input is essential as legislators make decisions that affect students. They provided a voice and a face to the issues confronting our state and educational system.”

The students represented a rich cross-section of Texas students.

This also provided a cross-curricular learning experience. Aldine ISD selected students in English language arts and social studies to attend. Upon returning, some students gave a report or presentation about their experience.