For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 28, 2005
National Charter Schools Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Strong schools are the building blocks of a prosperous and hopeful
country. To ensure that all our children receive the education they
need to succeed, schools must be innovative, accountable, and committed
to student achievement. The charter school movement was founded on
these principles and has played an important role in expanding
educational choices in America. This week, we highlight the importance
of charter schools and recognize their contributions to American
education.
Charter schools are unique because they are public schools
operating under a contract from a public agency. In exchange for
increased flexibility in teaching methods and curricula, these schools
promise to meet strict accountability standards designed to improve
student performance. Four hundred new charter schools opened in 32
states for the 2004-2005 school year, and there are nearly 3,400
charter schools serving almost one million children in America. These
institutions have provided a valuable alternative to families
throughout the country.
My Administration is committed to advancing public education in
America. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is bringing increased
accountability to our schools. Test scores are rising, and the
achievement gap for minority students is closing. Our continued strong
commitment to this legislation is ensuring that parents have greater
flexibility when deciding on how best to educate their children. To
support and enhance school choice, I have proposed $219 million for
Charter School Grants and $37 million for Credit Enhancement for
Charter School Facilities. I have also called for $50 million in new
funding for the Choice Incentive Fund to support development of
innovative school-choice programs.
We must continue to demand better results from our schools so that
every high school diploma represents a significant level of educational
achievement and all graduates are armed with the tools to succeed in
the 21st Century. I commend the teachers and administrators of charter
schools and all educators who are providing innovative alternatives
that prepare our children for a bright and successful future.
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 1 through 7,
2005, as National Charter Schools Week. I call on parents of charter
school students and all those involved with charter schools to share
their success stories and help Americans learn more about the important
work of these institutions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty eighth
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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