Navigating Proposed Changes in Keller ISD
The Keller Independent School District (Keller ISD) is considering a series of policy changes that could significantly impact the daily lives of students and teachers. Among the proposals are a pronoun policy that would require parental involvement in a student’s use of names and pronouns, as well as a potential ban on cell phone use during the school day.
These potential changes have sparked a flurry of discussion and debate within the Keller ISD community. As an educational writer, I aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, exploring the perspectives of both students and educators, and highlighting the potential implications of these proposed policies.
Pronoun Policy: Empowering Parents or Discriminating Against LGBTQ+ Students?
One of the key proposals under consideration is a policy that would give parents the right to be consulted and asked for permission before their children use a name or pronoun other than the one provided on their birth certificate. According to the draft policy, district staff would be prohibited from using pronouns that do not align with a student’s biological sex as recorded on their birth certificate, with a single exception.
The policy states that Keller ISD personnel would only use a name or pronoun other than what is listed on the student’s birth certificate if the student or their parents have provided written instruction to do so. Additionally, parents would be notified within 24 hours if their child requests to use a name or pronoun different from what is listed on their birth certificate, or if the child requests to use facilities that do not correspond with their biological sex.
Proponents of the policy, such as Keller ISD Board President Charles Randklev, believe that this measure is necessary to ensure that parents remain informed and involved in their children’s lives and education. Randklev argues that decisions like these influence students’ upbringing, care, and moral values, and that “parents matter” in contributing to a healthy family-school relationship.
However, the proposed policy has faced significant opposition from some students and educators within the Keller ISD community. Deshaun Young, an incoming senior at Keller ISD’s Timber Creek High School, expressed concerns that the policy would “restrict the support that teachers can give these students who are already vulnerable” and create an unsafe and discriminatory environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Danny Street, a student who has used the name Danny for three years, shared his concerns that the policy could result in abuse for some students if their parents are not supportive of their gender identity. He questioned whether students should feel afraid to go to school, as the policy could force them to disclose sensitive information to potentially unsupportive parents.
Former Keller ISD engineering teacher Elizabeth Mitias also voiced her concerns about the policy’s impact on the trust between students and teachers. She worries that the requirement for teachers to report a student’s name or pronoun change within 24 hours could destroy any existing trust and potentially put teachers at risk of legal liability if they fail to report it quickly enough.
Cell Phone Ban: Reclaiming the Learning Environment or Disrupting Communication?
In addition to the pronoun policy, Keller ISD is also considering a comprehensive cell phone ban that would prohibit the use of cell phones, smart watches, and other communication devices during the school day, including during lunch and passing periods.
Keller ISD Superintendent Tracy Johnson cited data showing that most disciplinary incidents across the district last school year were related to cell phone use, describing it as a “nationwide epidemic” that needs to be addressed. The proposed policy aims to reclaim the learning environment and improve student engagement by limiting the use of these devices.
The key points of the cell phone policy include:
– A complete ban on cell phone use during the school day, including during lunch and passing periods
– Consequences for students who do not comply, such as confiscation of the device
– Exceptions for certain extracurricular activities or emergencies, with approval from school administration
While some teachers and administrators support the cell phone ban, believing it will make their jobs easier, not everyone in the Keller ISD community is convinced that this is the right approach.
Deshaun Young, the Timber Creek High School student, raised concerns about the policy’s impact on communication for students involved in extracurricular activities, as many of these activities rely on cell phone usage to notify students about events and changes. He also expressed worries about the safety implications, as parents may struggle to stay in touch with their children throughout the day.
Former teacher Elizabeth Mitias acknowledged the issue of cell phone “addiction” among students but criticized the policy’s punitive approach, arguing that it would be challenging to enforce and could create more problems than it solves. She believes the way to manage the issue is not through a system like this, as it is unlikely to be effective in teaching students responsibility.
Navigating the Path Forward
As Keller ISD prepares to vote on these proposed policies in August, the community remains divided. While some see the measures as necessary steps to ensure parental involvement and limit classroom distractions, others are concerned about the potential negative impact on vulnerable students and the overall learning environment.
It is essential for the Keller ISD administration to carefully consider the perspectives of both students and educators, seek meaningful input, and strive to find a balanced approach that addresses the district’s concerns while respecting the needs and rights of all members of the community.
To stay informed about the ongoing developments in Keller ISD, we encourage you to visit the district’s website or reach out to your child’s school administration. As an educational community, it is crucial that we work together to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
