[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