WHEREAS, Since its establishment in 1988 at a high school in Conway, South Carolina, the Renaissance Program has been adopted by at least one school in each of the 50 states; and

WHEREAS, Use of the term “renaissance” represents a new national commitment to excellence in education; and

WHEREAS, The Renaissance Program is a process that involves collaboration between businesses, the educational community, and the community at large to explore ways for children to experience the joy of learning and to recognize educators as dedicated professionals; and

WHEREAS, The schools that have established a Renaissance Program have as their purpose the attainment of five attributes: promotion of academic achievement; dynamic, innovative, and courageous leadership; leadership that believes in, and is committed to, participative management; an academic, performance-based system of rewards and incentives; and established partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, and community groups; and

WHEREAS, The program raises self-esteem and self-worth in pupils by giving positive rewards for achieving goals at all performance levels, and by encouraging community and corporate partnerships with schools to inspire and reward learning; and

WHEREAS, Over 100 schools in California have adopted the program; all of those schools have experienced increases in grade point averages, achievement test scores, and in daily attendance, and have experienced a decrease in disciplinary problems and in the dropout rate; and

WHEREAS, At a time when schools are under tremendous stress from criminal and gang activity, the adoption of the Renaissance Program in every school would provide a source of inspiration for all pupils; now, therefore, be it