TITLE: Recognizing Austin Can! Academy, a dropout recovery charter high school serving at-risk students of Travis County.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Austin Can! Academy, a dropout recovery charter high school serving at-risk students of Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Austin Can! Academy, a dropout recovery charter high school serving at-risk students of Travis County; and WHEREAS, Austin Can! Academy was established to give local students a second chance to succeed in their education; 95 percent of the student population at Austin Can! Academy is considered at-risk and 95 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged; 33 percent of the students have limited English proficiency and 25 percent are in special education classes; and WHEREAS, The academy has been rated an academically acceptable school by the Texas Education Agency; the school's many partners in the community include the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Rotary Club, Austin Community College, and The University of Texas School of Social Work; and WHEREAS, The success of the school is reflected in the growth of its number of graduates; five students graduated in 2003, and in 2010, 62 students graduated; in addition, during the tenure of its principal, Dr. Joe Gonzales, there has been an 80 percent increase in college enrollment; and WHEREAS, Austin Can! Academy is a valuable asset to the City of Austin and Travis County; through its relationship-based education and training, it provides its students with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and make a new start in life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby commend the teachers, staff, administrators, and community partners of Austin Can! Academy for their efforts to help the young people of Travis County achieve a high school education; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for Austin Can! Academy as an expression of esteem from the Texas Legislature. President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 29 was adopted by the Senate on March 14, 2011. Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 29 was adopted by the House on March 23, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House Approved: Date Governor