Proclamation by the President: National Charter Schools Week, 2008

CRAWFORD, Texas--(Business Wire)--
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.

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

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580

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