83R25091 BPG-D
By: Strama H.R. No. 1873
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics Initiative is joining with its schools, centers, and
partners to observe STEM Education Week May 6-12, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Presenting a framework to empower teachers, inspire
students, and advance innovation and research, T-STEM is a
public-private initiative of academies, professional development
centers, and networks; they work together to improve instruction
and academic performance in subjects related to science and
mathematics; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Education Agency has designated 65 T-STEM
Academies, which currently serve more than 35,000 students;
functioning as demonstration schools and learning labs, the
academy's objectives include increasing the number of students
entering postsecondary studies and careers in STEM, as well as
promoting the long-term development of STEM fields; they also seek
to facilitate strong leadership in support of school redesign
efforts, quality teacher recruitment, and improved teacher
preparation; in 2010, achievement data showed T-STEM Academies were
outperforming peer schools; and
WHEREAS, Today, the number of jobs in STEM fields is growing
rapidly, especially in Texas; in order to ensure that future
professionals acquire the necessary deep content knowledge and
skills, the state has made significant investments in STEM, driving
substantial gains in student achievement and fostering
cross-sector collaboration; and
WHEREAS, The continued prosperity of the Lone Star State
depends on the availability of a skilled workforce with a solid
foundation in the necessary disciplines, and the expansion of
educational opportunities in STEM is a matter of vital concern to
all Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 6-12, 2013, as STEM Education Week
and commend all those engaged in the effort to make our state a
national leader in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics.