[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 17 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Pages 650-651]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8251--National Charter Schools Week, 2008

 May 2, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Education is the cornerstone of a hopeful tomorrow. During National 
Charter Schools Week, we highlight the contributions of charter schools 
to ensuring that our Nation's future leaders have the skills and 
knowledge necessary for a lifetime of achievement.

[[Page 651]]

    Charter schools are educational alternatives that empower families 
with additional choices for their children. By providing flexibility to 
educators while insisting on results, charter schools are helping foster 
a culture of educational innovation, accountability, and excellence. 
Charter schools also encourage parental involvement and help contribute 
to the national effort to close the achievement gap.

    The No Child Left Behind Act has played a central role in America's 
efforts to improve our public schools and expand the opportunities 
available to our children. In 2007, American students reached record 
achievement levels on reading and math tests, and the achievement gap is 
beginning to close. Charter schools have been an important part of this 
success. National Charter Schools Week is an opportunity to recognize 
the strength, vitality, and excellence of outstanding schools.

     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 4 through May 10, 
2008, 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 second day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 6, 2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
7.