Whereas, Over 70 percent of 4th and 8th grade students scored below proficient on the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics test; and,

Whereas, Basic skill proficiency is the number one goal of national and state education standards and assessment advocates; and,

Whereas, Parents and other citizens must work together with educators and mathematicians in order to teach students using scientifically proven practices; and,

Whereas, A strong mathematics foundation is necessary to advanced study and discovery in higher mathematics as well as all the sciences including computers and medicine; and,

Whereas, A working knowledge of mathematics is critical to understanding and contributing to an increasingly technological world; and,

Whereas, Currently entering its second year, Math Literacy Week focuses much needed attention on improving mathematics understanding in Michigan and nationwide; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 6, 2003, as Math Literacy Week in Michigan, and I urge all citizens to recognize the importance of mathematics literacy.