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79R5290 JLZ-D

By:  Berman                                                     H.C.R. No. 53 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The education of our children and young people is 
not an isolated activity that occurs solely within the confines of a 
classroom, laboratory, or auditorium, but rather is an ongoing 
process that encompasses the whole of their individual experiences 
during the formative school-age years; and
	WHEREAS, Consequently, much of what a child or young adult 
experiences outside the classroom can have a significant impact on 
that individual's ability and readiness as a student to engage in 
the academic activities that take place inside the classroom; and
	WHEREAS, A troubled youth beset by problems outside of school 
will, in many instances, find it difficult to set aside those 
problems once inside the classroom, and those problems often become 
an impediment to that student's learning; conversely, a student 
whose needs are met and who enjoys positive experiences and 
reinforcement outside the classroom will not be distracted by unmet 
needs; and
	WHEREAS, While we are privileged to have many dedicated 
teachers and school administrators who are deeply committed to the 
education of our children, their challenging task is often made 
more difficult by their students' circumstances at home and within 
the community, which the schools, with their limited resources, 
cannot address; and
	WHEREAS, Fortunately, there exist numerous organizations 
whose missions are complementary to that of our public 
schools--namely, to further the physical, moral, and social 
development of children and young adults, instill in them the 
desire to learn and succeed, and help them fulfill their potential; 
and
	WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), for example, has a 
90-year history of helping to shape and mold the values and 
character of youth and strengthening not only young people but also 
families and communities through its comprehensive programs; in 
addition to chartering BSA local councils, the organization also 
issues charters to schools and community organizations, which use 
scouting programs with BSA support as part of their own youth work; 
and
	WHEREAS, The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization similarly 
has a 100-year history of community service and is the oldest and 
largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, matching 
caring adults with school-age children in one-to-one 
relationships; studies show that participating students are 52 
percent less likely to skip school than peers who are not in the 
program; students in the school-based Big Brothers Big Sisters In 
School program also show improved performance and attendance, 
better grades, and greater self-confidence; and
	WHEREAS, Area YMCA and YWCA branches are found in many 
communities large and small, and no community is without its local 
church or churches; for organizations such as these, youth outreach 
is more than an incidental service but an essential mission and is 
often at the core of an organization's existence; and
	WHEREAS, By enlisting the help and support of these many fine 
youth-oriented organizations, schools, school districts, and 
school organizations can not only better focus their resources but, 
by facilitating or participating in the various youth programs, 
also ensure that each student receives the services and assistance 
necessary to develop that student's unique potential; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby encourage schools, school districts, and student 
organizations to solicit help, guidance, and support from 
organizations that administer youth programs as well as from 
churches within their respective communities.