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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, In the global economy of the 21st century, the |
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fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) |
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are of paramount importance, and the future prosperity of our state |
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and nation depends on the availability of a highly educated |
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workforce that is adept in these subjects; and |
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WHEREAS, Unfortunately, statistics show that young people in |
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the United States are lagging behind their counterparts in other |
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countries in these vital areas; currently, U.S. 12th graders are |
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performing below the average of students from 21 other nations in |
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math and science, and in the next decade 80 percent of all jobs will |
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require skills in those disciplines; and |
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WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of this issue, Time |
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Warner Cable launched the Connect a Million Minds initiative in |
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November 2009; this five-year program is designed to inspire |
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students to develop the STEM skills they need to become the problem |
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solvers of tomorrow; and |
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WHEREAS, Connect a Million Minds seeks to put young people in |
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touch with after-school opportunities and resources that focus on |
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STEM-related learning; as part of the effort, Time Warner Cable |
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created the educational curriculum "Cracking the Codes in the |
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Digital World" in 2010 to showcase digital technology, and it has |
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already been used by thousands of middle school students across 28 |
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states; and |
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WHEREAS, The company is introducing a new hands-on, |
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interactive curriculum, "Cracking the Codes in the Wireless World," |
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during the week of April 4 through 8, 2011; based on national |
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science standards, it is designed to allow middle school students |
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to gain greater insight into wireless communication technology and |
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promises to be a useful tool in getting them excited about STEM |
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concepts; and |
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WHEREAS, By encouraging youth to develop a solid foundation |
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of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math, Texans |
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can help ensure that the Lone Star State is well positioned to meet |
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the challenges and opportunities of the future, and the Connect a |
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Million Minds program is an innovative means of meeting that vital |
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goal; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 4 through 8, 2011, as Connect a |
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Million Minds Week and urge all citizens to learn more about this |
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worthwhile initiative. |