STATE OF OKLAHOMA

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION 8    

By:    Cain of the Senate

AS INTRODUCED

A Concurrent Resolution proclaiming 2005 “The Year of Languages” in Oklahoma; urging citizens to support language education programs; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, our community and communities across America are welcoming many new neighbors, friends and citizens from countries and cultures throughout the world — people for whom English is not their native language; and

WHEREAS, Americans have increasing social, cultural and economic ties to the global community, offering great opportunities yet presenting new challenges as we seek to communicate with and understand our international partners from different language and cultural backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, studying other languages has been shown to contribute to increased cognitive skills, better academic performance, and a greater understanding of others, while also providing lifelong learning opportunities for people beyond school age; and

WHEREAS, proficiency in other languages enhances Americans’ career opportunities and provides employers with a workforce with the necessary skills for an international marketplace; and

WHEREAS, foreign language educators are working cooperatively to promote the benefits of language learning to students, parents, business, industry, health and social services leaders, and policy makers throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, language education in the 21st century includes a commitment to long sequences of study of world languages, beginning in the early grades, to enable students to develop the proficiency needed to effectively communicate with people from other cultures, whether at home or abroad; and

WHEREAS, language educators are urging the public to recognize the value of delivering better education to our students, of expanding the cultural and literary horizons of adult learners, and of strengthening America’s position and security around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 50TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN:

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature proclaims 2005 “The Year of Languages” in Oklahoma.

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature urges all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by language education programs and to support and participate in these programs to gain proficiency not only in English, but in other languages as well.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the State Department of Education; the International Trade and Investment Office of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Desa Dawson, the coordinator of “Year of the Languages” in Oklahoma and this region; and Steering Committee member Nancy Barnum.

50-1-1405          THC          4/25/2005 3:57:47 PM