[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8007--APR. 26, 2006
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

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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.
GEORGE W. BUSH