83R25659 BPG-D
By: Villarreal H.R. No. 1891
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Fluency in the English language is critical to
academic achievement in Texas schools; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, the Lone Star State has seen a
dramatic increase in the number of children whose native language
is not English, including many who were born in the United States,
and this population will continue to grow; and
WHEREAS, Children who are not fluent in English deserve the
opportunity to become productive, successful members of our
society, yet they face a significant barrier to academic progress;
it is imperative that they acquire the necessary language skills in
order to participate in a meaningful way in the educational
setting, in the workplace, and in daily life; accordingly, the
federal government requires that measures be implemented on the
state level to close the educational achievement gap for non-native
English speakers; and
WHEREAS, It is the duty of every legislator to ensure that
Texas educational policy fosters academic achievement, and English
fluency is essential to the success of the millions of children who
will one day enter the workforce and contribute to the continued
growth of our economy; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas takes tremendous pride in leading
the way in business and innovation, and it is uniquely positioned to
set a national standard of excellence in the education of students
for whom English is not the first language; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby direct the Texas Education Agency to deploy
every necessary resource and implement the most modern and
innovative strategies in order to bridge the academic achievement
gap between native and non-native English speakers in Texas
schools; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk forward an official copy of
this resolution to the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.