46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

DECLARING FEBRUARY 14, 2003 AS "ADULT BASIC EDUCATION DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, New Mexico's adult basic education programs provide the basic skills needed for the education of New Mexico adults who are learning to read, learning to speak English and studying for the general equivalency diploma; and

WHEREAS, over twenty-eight thousand students were served by adult basic education programs in 2002 alone; and

WHEREAS, sixteen thousand five hundred of these students attended literacy and basic skills classes to enable them to read to their children and be more involved in their children's education and to improve their opportunities for employment; and

WHEREAS, eight thousand three hundred forty-six adults were enrolled in English as a second language classes, increasing their ability to become more integrated into their communities and to take advantage of opportunities and economic advancement; and

WHEREAS, seven thousand six hundred ten New Mexicans passed the general equivalency test in 2001 and received their high school diplomas; and

WHEREAS, ninety percent of the New Mexicans who took the full general equivalency test passed the test, making New Mexico's pass rate the fourth highest in the United States; and

WHEREAS, for many adults and their families, adult basic education programs provide frameworks for success, giving these adults and their families new possibilities for brighter futures;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 14, 2003 be declared as "Adult Basic Education Day" at the legislature and that adult basic education program providers and educators be recognized and commended for their contributions to education and the state of New Mexico.