2004-2

Closing the Gaps for Hispanic and African American Students

Sponsored by: Senator Leticia Van de Putte (TX), NHCSL President

Adopted by the Caucus on December 12, 2004

WHEREAS, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) have joined forces to address issues that contribute to the education achievement gaps for Hispanic and African-American students in PreK-12 public schools in the United States, and;

WHEREAS, both organizations share a common interest in building a broad-based coalition to engage the community in advocating for policies that support public schools and increase investment in public education, and have jointly recommended policies that focus on recruiting and retaining quality teachers and improving students’ classroom experiences, and

WHEREAS, with the assistance of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), and other partners, the Closing the Gap national campaign will engage in a multi-pronged strategy intended to assist legislators in shaping their state education agendas and create a groundswell of support for legislative and political initiatives, and,

WHEREAS, each state’s campaign strategy will be developed within the context of the political and legislative realities of each state, with a uniform message that will resonate nationally with media, business and community leaders, voters, parents and teachers.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators reaffirm their commitment to the implementation of the Closing the Gaps campaign and urge their members and advocates to be engaged in assuring its success.

Adopted this 12th day of December 2004 at the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators’ Executive Committee & BBA Meeting held in Miami, Florida.