LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the invaluable work of the Bilingual
ESL Technical Assistance Centers after 20 years of dedicated service to
be celebrated on June 11, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to express its grati-
tude to the English as a Second Language teachers of New York State, and
to salute their students for embarking on the global adventure of study-
ing foreign languages; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
the invaluable work of the Bilingual ESL Technical Assistance Centers
after 20 years of dedicated service to be celebrated on Saturday, June
11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Bilingual ESL Technical Assistance Centers (BETACs) are
centers for staff development and technical assistance to all educators;
the staff at the 14 centers offer resources and training on issues
pertaining to Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and English
Language Learners (ELLs); and
WHEREAS, The mission of the BETACs is to enhance the development of
knowledge and competencies of educators, parents, and local communities
needed to support academic excellence of LEP students; and
WHEREAS, The BETACs provide the highest quality technical assistance
to promote equity and excellence in the education of limited English
proficient students in New York State schools; and
WHEREAS, Always striving to optimize the learning opportunities for
New York State LEP/ELL students, the BETACs goals are to provide techni-
cal assistance on policies and regulations, availability of funding,
educational resources, and implementation of higher learning standards;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, BETACs assist parents and provide community
outreach programs and activities to support and enable limited English
proficient students to be successful in school; the centers also provide
training opportunities that enhance the skills and competencies of all
educators who impact the learning of limited English proficient
students; and
WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative
Body to pay tribute to this noble organization whose mission has demon-
strated the value of teaching English language learners and immigrant
populations; and
WHEREAS, It is only fitting that this Legislative Body extend its
highest commendation to the administration, teachers, staff and students
of Bilingual ESL Technical Assistance Centers for their dedication and
commitment to their language programs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the invaluable work of the Bilingual ESL Technical Assistance
Centers (BETACs) after 20 years of dedicated service to be celebrated on
June 11, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bilingual ESL Technical Assistance Centers.