Senators Cherry, Brater, Prusi, Gleason, Kuipers, Gilbert, Richardville and Van Woerkom offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 207.

            A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to enact the Keeping Parents and Communities Engaged (Keeping PACE) Act.

            Whereas, In 1935, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation gave the Flint Public Schools $6,000 with which to institute community education, thus beginning the community education movement in this country; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan has been and continues to be a supporter and a leader in the field of community education and after-school programming nationally; and

            Whereas, Studies indicate that students who participate in high quality after-school programs in combination with other community activities demonstrate significant gains in standardized math and reading test scores; and

            Whereas, The research shows that regular participation in after-school programs is associated with improvements in work habits and task persistence; and

            Whereas, Extra time for academics by itself may be necessary but may not be sufficient to improve academic outcomes. Balancing academic support with a variety of engaging, fun, and structured extracurricular or co-curricular activities that promote youth development in a variety of real-world contexts supports and improves academic performance; and

            Whereas, On May 3, 2008, S. 1302 was introduced in the United States Senate, which would amend Title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, to encourage and support parent, family, and community involvement in schools; to provide needed integrated services and comprehensive support to children; and to ensure that schools are centers of communities, for the ultimate goal of assisting students to stay in school, become successful learners, and improve academic achievement; and

            Whereas, This legislation would provide funding for local school districts to hire parent and community outreach coordinators; provide funding to assist community-based organizations to support students, their local schools, and their families; and to develop consortia of schools, school districts, city governments, and local nonprofits to assist in renovating school facilities to more effectively use them as community centers; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the United States Congress to enact the Keeping Parents and Communities Engaged (Keeping PACE) Act; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.