National Charter Schools Week, 2006

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8007--National Charter Schools Week, 2006

Executive Order 13401--Responsibilities of Federal Departments and
Agencies With Respect to Volunteer Community Service

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8007 of April 26, 2006

National Charter Schools Week, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Education is the gateway to a brighter future for our
children and our Nation. During National Charter
Schools Week, we celebrate charter schools' commitment
to academic achievement, accountability, and
innovation. We recognize the vital role charter schools
play in fostering an America where children have the
knowledge and skills they need to grow, succeed, and
achieve their dreams.

As a publicly funded alternative to traditional public
schools, charter schools have expanded our
understanding of public education by embracing the
spirit of discovery and providing innovative avenues
for success. Almost 15 years after the founding of the
first charter school, more than 3,600 charter schools
in 40 states and the District of Columbia are teaching
more than one million students. These institutions
reflect our belief in the promise of America's youth
and help fulfill our moral obligation to make sure that
every child has a quality education.

This year marks the fourth anniversary of the signing
of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is helping
schools close the achievement gap among America's
youth. Using the same principles that guide No Child
Left Behind, we are achieving educational excellence
through charter schools by providing greater
flexibility with Federal dollars and curriculum control
at the local level. We are also providing parents with
more information about school performance and school
options and insisting on results through assessment and
accountability.

In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that
struck our Nation's Gulf Coast last year, charter
schools are playing a major role in welcoming back
school children affected by the storms. Because of
their unique flexibility, many Gulf Coast charter
schools were able to reopen quickly, and many of the
public schools that have reopened in New Orleans now
operate as charter schools. By enabling these children
to continue their education, charter schools are
helping families and demonstrating a deep compassion
for America's students.

We must give every child the best opportunity to learn
and succeed in life. Charter schools help prepare our
next generation of leaders and help ensure that America
continues to succeed in the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 30 through May 6,
2006, as National Charter Schools Week. I appreciate
our Nation's charter schools, teachers, and
administrators, and I call on parents of charter school
students to share their successes and help all
Americans understand more about the important work of
charter schools.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B