HJ0060 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0060 LRB101 12000 MST 59267 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois adopted the Illinois Learning Standards in science in 2014; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Learning Standards in science build on children's inherent curiosity and introduce science at an earlier age, when children have many questions about the world and how it works; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Learning Standards in science help students acquire a deep understanding of core science and engineering concepts through applying them to real-world situations; and

WHEREAS, Educators across Illinois have transformed science education in the classroom to give students the foundation they need to tackle complex issues in college and in their careers; and

WHEREAS, Today, science education in Illinois emphasizes an engaged, hands-on learning experience, in which teachers facilitate student-led inquiry, discussion, research, and experiments; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Board of Education believes a high-quality science education equips students with the knowledge and skills, such as communication, collaboration, inquiry, and flexibility, that are necessary for all careers; and

WHEREAS, Ensuring all students have access to a high-quality science education is crucial to developing the innovative thinkers Illinois needs to lead the country and the world; and

WHEREAS, Illinois, the country, and the world face known and unknown challenges in the fields of medicine, technology, climate, and energy; equitable access to science education will help this and future generations solve these challenges; and

WHEREAS, April 22, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first-ever national Earth Day; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare April 22, 2019 through April 26, 2019 as Illinois Science Education Week to celebrate and acknowledge science education across the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois State Board of Education.