[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 31 (Friday, March 8, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             HOME EDUCATION

                                 ______


                           HON. VAN HILLEARY

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 8, 1996

  Mr. HILLEARY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert Gov. Don 
Sundquist's proclamation declaring this week, March 4-10, 1996, 
``Tennessee Home Education Week,'' into the Congressional Record. I 
fully support this worthy proclamation, and I will continue to work to 
allow America's parents to have more control over their children's 
education.

                    State of Tennessee--Proclamation

                            by the Governor

       Whereas, Tennessee is committed to excellence in education 
     and to public policy that strengthens the family; and
       Whereas, Tennessee recognizes parental choice in pursuit of 
     that excellence and the importance of parental involvement in 
     education; and
       Whereas, Tennessee appropriately and statutorily authorizes 
     home education as an educational alternative, as well as 
     recognizes the rights of parents to teach and train their 
     children because of their religious beliefs; and
       Whereas, home schools can afford families the opportunity 
     to develop positive character qualities and instill desired 
     values in their children; and
       Whereas, parents rightfully have the final authority and 
     responsibility for the care, upbringing and choice of 
     education for their children; and
       Whereas, home education was a predominant form of education 
     in the early years of America, and many Americans such as 
     George Washington, Patrick Henry, John Marshall, Robert E. 
     Lee, Booker T. Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Quincy 
     Adams, Thomas Edison, Douglas MacArthur, Pearl S. Buck and 
     Franklin Roosevelt were primarily educated at home; as well 
     as many other diverse and creative Americans; and
       Whereas, studies continue to confirm that children who are 
     home educated score well on national achievement tests, 
     exhibit self-confidence, and are fully prepared to meet the 
     challenges of today's society; and
       Whereas, it is appropriate that Tennessee home educators 
     and home-educated children be recognized for their 
     contribution to the diversity and quality of education in 
     this great state,
       Now Therefore, I, Don Sundquist, Governor of the State of 
     Tennessee, do hereby proclaim the week of March 4-10, 1996, 
     as Tennessee Home Education Week in Tennessee and I call this 
     observance to the attention of all our citizens.
       In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and caused the 
     official seal of the State of Tennessee to be affixed at 
     Nashville on this 30th day of June, 1995.
     Don Sundquist,
       Governor.
     Riley C. Darnell,
       Secretary of State.

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