Proclamations Proc. 7552 Proclamation 7552 of May 2, 2002 Nationa] Charter Schoo]s Week, 2002 By the President o/the United States o/America A Proclamation Over a decade ago in Minnesota, a handful of educators envisioned a new kind of educational institution that would provide an alternative for chil- dren trapped in under-performing public schools. Their philosophy for a "charter school" was straightforward and powerful: provide parents the op- tion to send their children to innovative public schools that combine flexi- bility and autonomy with a guarantee to raise student achievement. Today, we recognize the important successes of the charter school experi- ment. Nearly 2,400 charter schools now exist across our Nation. Thanks to bipartisan support at the local, State, and Federal level, more than a half- million children have attended these public schools and obtained a better education. In reading, math, science, special education, early childhood education, and other areas, charter schools have implemented innovative programs that produce results. Charter school principals and teachers have the free- dom to develop classroom techniques that meet their students' unique needs, and parents appreciate the ability to have direct input into their children's educational progress. Charter school administrators are account- able to students, parents, and community leaders, and they know that if their school fails to meet expectations, it must either improve or close. The effects of charter schools extend beyond the schoolhouse walls. Wher- ever charter schools are clustered together, we see traditional schools re- evaluate their methods and programs. At this basic level, charter schools help stimulate community debate and inspire educational excellence. Accountability, flexibility, expanded choices, and a focus on methods that work are all important elements in the landmark, bipartisan, No Child Left Behind Act of 200% which I signed into law in ]anuary. This legislation authorizes a new program, the Charter School Facility Demonstration Proiect, which provides important seed funding for charter school infra- structure and construction needs. It also continues the Charter School Grants program that supports planning and development of new public charter schools. Together these programs provide valuable tools to Amer- ican education. Now we must work together to implement this new legisla- tion in all our communities so no child is left behind. 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 28 through May 4, 2002, as National Charter Schools Week. I call on parents of charter school children to share their success stories with others so that all Americans may learn more about charter schools and their important work. I com- mend the States with charter schools. 81
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