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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, February is nationally recognized as Career and
3Technical Education Month; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an
5essential strategy for Illinois' economic recovery efforts
6amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Approximately 398,000 students are enrolled in
8CTE across the State of Illinois; and
 
9    WHEREAS, CTE programs lead in providing instruction for
10careers in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations in
11such fields as business and finance, healthcare, information
12technology, advanced manufacturing, and education; and
 
13    WHEREAS, CTE in Illinois places equity at the forefront of
14decision-making, instructional programming, and student
15support services; and
 
16    WHEREAS, CTE programs provide relevant academic and
17technical coursework leading to college credits and
18industry-recognized credentials for secondary and
19postsecondary learners; they offer smooth pathways to and
20through postsecondary education and employment, career

 

 

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1exploration for K-12 grades, and assistance in meeting the
2Illinois Learning Standards; and
 
3    WHEREAS, CTE programs are instrumental in ensuring
4equitable access to learning opportunities, supporting local
5communities, fostering innovation, and promoting continuous
6improvement; and
 
7    WHEREAS, CTE prepares students for tomorrow's careers and
8drives economic growth by matching employability skills with
9workforce demand, imbedding work-based learning opportunities,
10and allowing for local flexibility; and
 
11    WHEREAS, All students benefit from equity-centered
12teaching practices, career-connected learning, opportunities
13to develop and discover practical skills and strengths, and
14career exploration; and
 
15    WHEREAS, February 23, 2021 marks the 104th anniversary of
16the signing of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of
171917, which was the first major federal investment in Career
18and Technical Education and laid the foundation for the
19bipartisan, bicameral support for Career and Technical
20Education that continues today with the Strengthening Career
21and Technical Education for 21st Act; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate February
32021 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate
4Career and Technical Education across the State of Illinois.