SR0188 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0188 LRB094 12282 CSA 46087 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Ms. Foundation for Women established Take Our Daughters to Work Day in 1993 to introduce girls to the opportunities available to them in the world of work; and

WHEREAS, The program has since evolved to become Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a chance for children to experience work opportunities and to discuss the challenges of participating fully in work, family, and the community; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation estimates that between six to ten million boys and girls across the country participated in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day this year, with support for the program's goals from many school districts; and

WHEREAS, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day has been traditionally held on the third Thursday in April since its creation; and

WHEREAS, This date is also a school day in most Illinois school districts; and

WHEREAS, The date is the same as that for the administration of the Prairie State Achievement Exam for high school juniors; and

WHEREAS, Participation in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is significant enough that many teachers consider the day a "lost instruction day" due to student absences; and

WHEREAS, Schools and school districts are being held more accountable for student performance since the implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and

WHEREAS, State aid to school districts is tied to school districts' average daily attendance; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program for its contribution to education and the lives of children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the scheduling of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on a school holiday, institute day, or during the summer when the program will not disrupt children's attendance or the classroom schedule of the schools.