    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 17 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
    [Pages 536-537]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8134--National Charter Schools Week, 2007

     April 27, 2007

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        Across our country, charter schools are providing quality education
    for America's students. During National Charter Schools Week, we
    recognize the important contributions of charter schools and underscore
    our commitment to ensuring that all children receive the education they
    need to lead lives of purpose and success.
        Charter schools are public schools that provide families with a
    valuable educational alternative. Because they are not bound by many
    regulatory requirements, charter schools have the flexibility to
    innovate in ways that will best meet students' academic needs. Today,
    there are about 4,000 charter schools in 40 States and the District of
    Columbia helping more than one million students realize their full
    potential.
        My Administration is dedicated to providing parents with more
    choices so that their children will have the best opportunity to gain
    the skills necessary to compete and succeed in the global economy.
    Through the No Child Left Behind Act, we are setting high standards,
    expanding parents' options, and

    [[Page 537]]

    closing the achievement gap. Charter schools are getting results and
    helping guide children across the country on the path to a better life.
        This week we thank educational entrepreneurs for supporting charter
    schools, and we honor all those involved in charter schools for helping
    their students reach high expectations.
         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 29 through May
    5, 2007, as National Charter Schools Week. I applaud our Nation's
    charter schools and all those who make them a success, and I call on
    parents of charter school students to share their success stories and
    help Americans understand more about the important work of charter
    schools.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh
    day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    first.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:00 a.m., April 30,
    2007]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May
    1.