Bill Text: GA HR362 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Georgia Pre-K Week; first week of October; recognize

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 5-1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-02-22 - House Read and Adopted [HR362 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR362-Introduced.html

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11 LC 94 4223

House Resolution 362

By: Representatives Coleman of the 97th, Casas of the 103rd, Purcell of the 159th, Reece of the 11th, Clark of the 104th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the first week of October as Georgia Pre-K Week; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, an increasing body of research now shows that more than 85 percent of a child's brain is developed by age five, forming the foundation for communication, critical thinking, and literacy; and

WHEREAS, quality early learning experiences ensure children will be more prepared for kindergarten, which has proven positive results on longer-term life success; and

WHEREAS, students must start school ready to succeed in order to be able to read at grade level by the third grade; and

WHEREAS, the National Institute for Early Education Research recognizes Georgia's Pre-K program for its high ratio of teachers to children, its small class sizes, and meeting eight of ten benchmarks for quality; and

WHEREAS, strong programs like Georgia Pre-K have been shown to increase standardized test scores and high school graduation rates; and

WHEREAS, economists have shown that for every public dollar invested in high-caliber early education, an average of $7.00 can be saved by reducing the need for remedial education and the costs of other social service supports; and

WHEREAS, each student should be able to learn in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe; and

WHEREAS, early investment reduces societal costs of welfare, crime, delinquency, and teen pregnancy and yields a significant long-term return on investment in workforce productivity; and
WHEREAS, the first week of October is an appropriate week to designate as Georgia Pre-K Week.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize the importance of preparing young children for kindergarten through pre-k programs and declare the first week of October as Georgia Pre-K Week.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the public and the press.