SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 227
	WHEREAS, Students across Texas benefit greatly from the
	learning experiences provided by career and technical courses,
	and February 2015 is being observed as National Career and
	Technical Education Month in recognition of the role that these
	programs play in fostering a thriving workforce; and
	WHEREAS, More than 1.1 million of the state's secondary
	students are currently enrolled in at least one career and
	technical education course in 1,227 school districts and charter
	schools throughout the Lone Star State; such classes allow young
	Texans to apply knowledge and skills from across the curriculum
	in real-life situations, deepening their understanding of their
	coursework; through this program, students gain the opportunity
	to explore careers earlier in their education, which enables them
	to make informed decisions about their academic and vocational
	goals; and
	WHEREAS, Career and technical education programs help
	students build a rewarding future by preparing them for college
	and teaching them skills that are sought after in a wide variety
	of professional fields; moreover, these courses are an integral
	part of the Texas Foundation High School Program, the new
	state-mandated graduation plan that allows students to earn
	endorsements, performance acknowledgements, and credentials
	recognized by industry professionals; and
	WHEREAS, The advantages afforded by career and technical
	education are not just limited to students enrolled in those
	courses; at a time when business leaders nationwide report
	a shortage of applicants in critical and growing fields, career
	and technical education programs support the development of a
	dedicated and highly qualified workforce, ensuring the success
	of American industries and the nation's continued global
	competitiveness; and
	WHEREAS, Texans who pursue career and technical education
	acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive
	citizens and engaged community leaders, and in so doing, they are
	playing an instrumental part in building a state that is ready to
	meet the challenges and opportunities of the future; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby recognize February 2015 as National Career
	and Technical Education Month in Texas and extend appreciation to
	all of the state's career and technical education teachers for
	their service to young Texans.
	Kolkhorst
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on February 23, 2015.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate