[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7890--APR. 28, 2005

[[Page 3739]]
119 STAT. 3739

Proclamation 7890 of April 28, 2005
National Charter Schools Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Strong schools are the building blocks of a prosperous and hopeful
country. To ensure that all our children receive the education they need
to succeed, schools must be innovative, accountable, and committed to
student achievement. The charter school movement was founded on these
principles and has played an important role in expanding educational
choices in America. This week, we highlight the importance of charter
schools and recognize their contributions to American education.
Charter schools are unique because they are public schools operating
under a contract from a public agency. In exchange for increased
flexibility in teaching methods and curricula, these schools promise to
meet strict accountability standards designed to improve student
performance. Four hundred new charter schools opened in 32 states for
the 2004-2005 school year, and there are nearly 3,400 charter schools
serving almost one million children in America. These institutions have
provided a valuable alternative to families throughout the country.
My Administration is committed to advancing public education in America.
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is bringing increased
accountability to our schools. Test scores are rising, and the
achievement gap for minority students is closing. Our continued strong
commitment to this legislation is ensuring that parents have greater
flexibility when deciding on how best to educate their children. To
support and enhance school choice, I have proposed $219 million for
Charter School Grants and $37 million for Credit Enhancement for Charter
School Facilities. I have also called for $50 million in new funding for
the Choice Incentive Fund to support development of innovative school-
choice programs.
We must continue to demand better results from our schools so that every
high school diploma represents a significant level of educational
achievement and all graduates are armed with the tools to succeed in the
21st Century. I commend the teachers and administrators of charter
schools and all educators who are providing innovative alternatives that
prepare our children for a bright and successful future.
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 May 1 through 7, 2005, as
National Charter Schools Week. I call on parents of charter school
students and all those involved with charter schools to share their
success stories and help Americans learn more about the important work
of these institutions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH