SR0085 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0085 LRB103 28114 MST 54493 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, February is nationally recognized as Career and Technical Education Month; and

WHEREAS, Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an essential strategy for Illinois' economic recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 412,000 students are enrolled in CTE across the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs lead in providing instruction for careers in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations in such fields as business and finance, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and education; and

WHEREAS, CTE in Illinois places equity at the forefront of decision-making, instructional programming, and student support services; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs provide relevant academic and technical coursework leading to college credits and industry-recognized credentials for secondary and postsecondary learners; they offer smooth pathways to and through postsecondary education and employment, career exploration for K-12 grades, and assistance in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs are instrumental in ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities, supporting local communities, fostering innovation, and promoting continuous improvement; and

WHEREAS, CTE prepares students for tomorrow's careers and drives economic growth by matching employability skills with workforce demand, imbedding work-based learning opportunities, and allowing for local flexibility; and

WHEREAS, All students benefit from equity-centered teaching practices, career-connected learning, opportunities to develop and discover practical skills and strengths, and career exploration; and

WHEREAS, February 23, 2023 marks the 106th anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917, which was the first major federal investment in Career and Technical Education and laid the foundation for the bipartisan, bicameral support for Career and Technical Education that continues today with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 21st Act; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 2023 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate Career and Technical Education across the State of Illinois.