89R8972 HMR-D By: Parker S.C.R. No. 23 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Gifted and talented education supports the academic needs of students with a high potential for achievement, and the observance of Gifted and Talented Students Week in April provides an opportunity to celebrate the skills and accomplishments of these students and the dedication of the educators who serve them; and WHEREAS, The term "gifted and talented" refers to children and youth who have excelled in intellectual, creative, or artistic endeavors, who possess an unusual capacity for leadership, or who show promise in a specific field of study; due to their unique abilities, these students can benefit from specialized educational services designed to meet their social, emotional, and academic needs; and WHEREAS, There are more than 450,000 identified gifted and talented students in Texas; funding is set aside to help provide them with challenging coursework, and teachers of gifted and talented classes are required by Texas law to receive additional special training; and WHEREAS, By encouraging exceptional students to develop their individual strengths, we are investing in the leaders, scholars, and innovators of tomorrow, and this vital endeavor is deserving of the wholehearted support and commitment of all Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the first full week in April as Gifted and Talented Students Week; and, be it further RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.