SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 294

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
honor the Texas Foreign Language Association and to recognize 
March 3 through March 9, 2003, as National Foreign Language Week; 
and
	WHEREAS, Individuals who know foreign languages learn to 
value and appreciate other people and other cultures, and they 
contribute a great deal to societal understanding throughout the 
world; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas Foreign Language Association sponsors
a host of opportunities for teachers and students to gain or 
improve second-language skills, including annual conferences, 
scholarships, and the publication of a newsletter and a scholarly 
bulletin; the organization also recognizes outstanding teachers 
and community members who promote the teaching of foreign 
languages in our state's schools; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas Foreign Language Association supports 
second-language acquisition for all students beginning at the 
elementary school level and continuing throughout the school 
years so that students may achieve higher levels of proficiency; 
and
	WHEREAS, Bilingual and multilingual individuals are 
afforded greater work opportunities in the public and private 
sectors, including the Foreign Service, the military, and 
international businesses; and
	WHEREAS, Foreign language acquisition by Americans of 
commonly taught and less commonly taught languages, including 
American Sign Language, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and 
Russian, is very important to our democratic society; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend the Texas Foreign Language 
Association for its strong support of foreign language study; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of the association as an expression of esteem from 
the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Zaffirini




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 4, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate