National Charter Schools Week, 2020

Proclamation 10030 of May 8, 2020

National Charter Schools Week, 2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Nearly 30 years ago, in a small town in southeast
Minnesota, freedom-loving Americans on both sides of
the political aisle opened the doors to our Nation's
first public charter school, enabling families to more
effectively choose the best learning environment for
their child. This historic action sparked a movement
that now spans 44 States, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, and Guam. There are currently more than
7,400 public charter schools providing individualized
education and learning opportunities to more than 3
million students and their families throughout our
Nation. During National Charter School Week, we
recognize the contributions of public charter school
leaders, teachers, students, and parents and reaffirm
our commitment to further expand access to public
charter schools and all high-quality education
opportunities throughout our Nation.

Every American family should have the right to choose
the learning environment that works best for their
child. Despite this, for decades the idea that all
children can thrive under a one-size-fits-all approach
to learning has defined American education. This
antiquated and monolithic model leaves far too many of
our Nation's young people trapped in a learning
environment that does not meet their individual needs.
Public charter schools ensure individual choice and
empower students to fulfil their potential. These
important educational options also disproportionately
serve low-income students and students of color, and
have a proven track record of serving these children
better than neighboring public schools.

Although public charter school enrollment has increased
at least eightfold in the past 18 years, there are
currently more than 1 million students still on
waitlists throughout the country. My Administration
remains committed to ensuring these children are able
to receive the best education possible by expanding
access to alternative education options. Since my first
day in office, I have championed school choice and
education freedom for every American student,
acknowledging that a family's zip code or socioeconomic
status should not determine a child's future. My
Administration has invested nearly $1.5 billion in the
development of public charter schools, while also
taking action to restore local control over education
and expand access to high-quality education
opportunities. Together, we are empowering students and
families to be able to access learning environments
that meet their unique needs.

This week, public charter schools, families, and
supporters will share inspirational stories of success,
recognize leaders in the charter sector, and build
awareness of the unique public charter school model
that offers flexibility to try different instructional
methods while being accountable for student achievement
and outcomes. During National Charter Schools Week, and
every week, let us celebrate the extraordinary work of
public charter schools in advancing education freedom,
excellence, and innovative approaches to learning. By
continuing to support public charter schools and
students, we will give power back to families and build
a brighter future for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 10 through May
16, 2020, as National Charter Schools Week. I commend
our Nation's successful public charter schools,
teachers, and administrators, and I call on States and
communities to help students and empower parents and
families by supporting high-quality charter schools as
an important school choice option.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and forty-fourth.