National Charter Schools Week, 2013

Vol. 78

Wednesday,

No. 89

May 8, 2013

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8975--National Charter Schools Week, 2013

Notice of May 2, 2013--Continuation of the National Emergency With
Respect to Burma

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8975 of May 3, 2013

National Charter Schools Week, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's success in the 21st century depends on what
we do today to reignite the true engine of our economic
growth: a thriving middle class. Achieving that vision
means making sure our education system provides ladders
of opportunity for our sons and daughters. We need to
equip all our students with the education and skills
that put them on the path to good jobs and a bright
future--no matter where they live or what school they
attend.

Charter schools play an important role in meeting that
obligation. These learning laboratories give educators
the chance to try new models and methods that can
encourage excellence in the classroom and prepare more
of our children for college and careers. In return for
this flexibility, we should expect high standards and
accountability, and make tough decisions to close
charter schools that are underperforming and not
improving. But where charter schools demonstrate
success and exceed expectations, we should share what
they learn with other public schools and replicate
those that produce dramatic results. Many charter
schools choose to locate in communities with few high-
quality educational options, making them an important
partner in widening the circle of opportunity for
students who need it most.

Our children are ready to write the next great chapter
in the American story. As parents and teachers and
citizens, it is up to all of us to provide them the
tools they need to keep our country moving forward--
from a degree that leads to a good job to the critical
thinking skills that make our democracy thrive. This
week, we recognize charter schools that are advancing
those goals, and we recommit to helping our Nation's
children go as far as their talents will take them.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 5 through May 11,
2013, as National Charter Schools Week. I commend our
Nation's charter schools, teachers, and administrators,
and I call on States and communities to support charter
schools and the students they serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.