SR0743 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0743 LRB099 13097 GRL 36986 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois Vision 20/20 has established a blueprint for the future of education in Illinois for the more than 2 million school children educated in the State; and

WHEREAS, One of the pillars and areas for prioritization of this vision is to provide students with a 21st century learning environment; and

WHEREAS, Illinois should modernize its approach by delivering 21st century instruction that provides all students access to modern learning environments and incorporate technology in state learning standards; education should also allow students to learn and apply knowledge, think creatively, and be well-prepared for a global citizenry; and

WHEREAS, A 21st century education must address the role of technology in the broad definition of learning, not as the total solution, but technology as a tool that can enhance and augment the teaching and learning processes in our schools by reducing costs, encouraging higher-level thinking, increasing student engagement, and aiding in individualized instruction; and

WHEREAS, A technology gap exists in Illinois schools, with less affluent schools unable to provide their students the benefits of technology in instruction; and

WHEREAS, Broadband has become a fundamental infrastructure need for instruction providing students with direct access to a world of learning materials; access to adequate broadband and bandwidth is not equitable, with only 26% of Illinois districts having adequate infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of citizens of Illinois, 500 school districts representing nearly 760,000 students, education organizations, companies, non-profits, and those who support public education have endorsed the Vision 20/20 plan in order to fulfill the promise of public education in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body join the Vision 20/20 supporters in promoting the priorities of this vision; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate August 18, 2015 as The Vision 20/20 21st Century Learning Day in the State of Illinois and applaud the architects of the Vision 20/20 plan to invest in our children's future, our State's future, and our nation's future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Alliance Vision 20/20 organization as a symbol of our respect and esteem for its work.