HR1117 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1117 LRB096 21918 KXB 39960 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The literacy of citizens of the State of Illinois is essential for the civil, social, and economic well-being of the State of Illinois; residents' literacy and education skills are required for individuals to reap the full benefit of opportunities available in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Both the national and global economy depend on having a literate, skilled adult population; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or have left high school, lack the literacy skills to obtain and keep a job with a family-sustaining income, continue their education, or participate in job training programs; and

WHEREAS, The education skills of parents and their ability to read to their children directly impact the educational success of children; and

WHEREAS, Parental involvement is a key predictor of a child's success and the level of parental involvement increases as the education level of the parent increases; and

WHEREAS, Many older people in the State of Illinois lack the reading, math, or English skills to read a prescription and follow medical instructions, endangering their lives and the lives of their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' economy is transforming to one that demands new knowledge, skills, and credentials; given the skills needed to compete in today's society, the need for a pathway system that prepares learners to enter and succeed in post-secondary education and employment is important; and

WHEREAS, Adult education services are needed now more than ever; there are millions of Illinois residents who have either not completed their high school education or lack the basic literacy skills and language skills needed to obtain jobs in Illinois; for these individuals, obtaining these skills prepares them to enter middle skill jobs and post-secondary education; and

WHEREAS, Through a diverse provider system and collaboration with stakeholders to increase access to adult education services, the Illinois Community College Board envisions adult education as the foundation of a career pathway system that prepares adult learners for economic self sufficiency; the Illinois Community College Board is committed to strengthening instructional programs and services that equip students with the skills needed to successfully compete in today's society; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of Adult Education is to assist adults to become literate and to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for self-sufficiency employment; assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children; and assist adults in the completion of a secondary school education; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of April 25, 2010 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support the designation of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in the State of Illinois, including raising public awareness about the importance of adult education and family literacy and encouraging people across the State of Illinois to support programs to assist those in need of adult education and family literacy programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Adult Education and Family Literacy program, governed by the Illinois Community College Board.