    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9837 of January 18, 2019

    National School Choice Week, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    A great education provides students with a foundation to pursue the
    American Dream of a hopeful and prosperous future. During National
    School Choice Week, we reaffirm our commitment to enable all students to
    pursue the education that will best equip them for success in work and
    life.
    Every child deserves the chance to flourish in an educational
    environment that best leverages their unique learning style, cultivates
    their talent, and develops the skills needed to succeed in an ever-
    changing world. Likewise, teachers deserve the chance to innovate in the
    classroom and do their best work. Yet, today's system often falls short
    of what students and teachers need and deserve, and often makes it too
    hard for families and educators to create the best learning experience
    for each child. The results tell the unfortunate story: recent
    international surveys ranked the United States 24th in reading, 25th in
    science, and 40th in math. These results were not the result of
    incapable children; they were the consequence of the limitations imposed
    by a largely one-size-fits-all approach to education.
    Education should inspire wonder, stimulate curiosity, and spark a
    lifelong desire in our children to learn and grow. Increased educational
    options--including through out-of-zone public schools, public charter
    schools, magnet schools, sectarian and secular private schools, home
    schools, and online education programs--have expanded opportunities for
    students regardless of background or economic status. We should all work
    to ensure all children receive great educations, regardless of where
    they live, how much their family makes, or how they best learn.

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    My Administration knows that choice in education plays a vital role in
    the success of our children and our country. The number of students
    receiving a D.C. Opportunity Scholarship has increased by nearly 50
    percent under my Administration. In last year's enactment of the
    historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we improved 529 plans so that they may
    cover elementary and secondary school tuition. Family demand for public
    charter schools has continued to grow. And, importantly, we have
    encouraged States, local communities, and families to refocus education
    policy where it belongs--on what is best for each child.
    We commend our Nation's families, teachers, school leaders, and all
    those who nobly dedicate their lives to educating the next generation.
    My Administration will continue to stand with students and their
    families in the fight for the best educational opportunities for their
    children.
    As our Nation celebrates National School Choice Week, I encourage
    families to explore new educational opportunities; I urge educators to
    develop imaginative and innovative pathways to learning; and I challenge
    students to passionately pursue their goals and dreams with discipline,
    integrity, and unyielding determination. Lastly, I urge lawmakers in
    Congress and in the States to embrace and expand education choice, which
    will strengthen our students, families, educators, communities, and
    ultimately, our great Nation.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 January 20 to January
    26, 2019, as National School Choice Week.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
    January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP